WhatsApp Launches Passkey Logins For Android, Eliminates SMS Two-Factor Authentication
- Messaging platform WhatsApp has announced a new security feature for Android users
- The company announced that users can now use passkeys to log into their accounts
- The new feature eliminates the need for a password, username, or SMS two-factor authentication
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WhatsApp is launching passkeys on Android, enabling users to log in without needing SMS two-factor authentication as they can use their face, fingerprints, or PIN to unlock their account.
The messaging platform was testing the feature in beta but is now starting to roll it out to all Android users.
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New feature makes it hard for hackers to gain access to accounts
TechCrunch states the new feature will roll out to users globally in the coming weeks and months. There is no information about an iOS launch.
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The Meta-owned platform said verification will make logging back into WhatsApp easier and more secure.
"We're excited to launch this on WhatsApp and give users an added layer of security," the company said in a statement.
By allowing passkey long-ins, users make it challenging for bad actors to remotely gain access to accounts since they would need physical access to users' phones.
Passkeys are a new technology that removes the need to rely on username and password combinations, which can be liable to hacking or phishing by scammers.
Other platforms embrace passkeys
Reports say that TikTok launched the feature for iOS in July, while PayPal rolled out passkey support for iOS.
Google announced that it has made passkeys the default sign-in method for all users after it rolled out support for passkeys for Google accounts globally in May.
Also, Amazon rolled out the feature quietly on October 17, 2023, but asked customers to hold on to their passwords for a while.
WhatsApp makes bold changes
WhatsApp's announcement comes amid a flurry of new features the company introduced recently.
The messaging platform launched Flows recently to boost the shopping experience, which allows users to pick a seat on a flight or book an appointment without leaving the app.
The company recently rolled out its broadcast Channels globally and its new native app for Mac.
"Switch phones freely": WhatsApp finally releases new feature highly requested by users for years
Legit.ng reported that after years of waiting, META, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp has announced a new feature for WhatsApp that will allow users to log into the same account on up to four phones.
Meta disclosed this in a statement made available to Legit.ng on Tuesday, April 22, 2023.
According to the statement, the new feature aims to make it easier for users to switch between devices without having to log in and out of their accounts constantly.
Source: Legit.ng
