WhatsApp testing out support for passkeys

The method of securing an account using a username and password system is considered to be antiquated, but for the most part it is still used, although there have been efforts to find ways to replace it.

Passkeys is one of those ways, and it looks like the latest WhatsApp beta is adding support for the system. This is according to a report from WABetaInfo in which it appears that some beta testers of WhatsApp are now seeing the option to use passkeys with their WhatsApp accounts.

For those unfamiliar, passkeys are designed to replace passwords. Instead of requiring users to remember and enter their passwords, passkeys use devices like our phones as authenticating devices, similar to a physical security key. Since our mobile devices already have pretty robust authentication methods like facial recognition or fingerprints, which are harder to crack compared to alphanumeric-based passwords, it makes it more unique.

That being said, there probably won’t be too many occasions in which you’ll have to use passkeys for your WhatsApp. It will mainly used when you’re having issues logging into your account or when setting up your WhatsApp account on a new phone, and passkeys can be a way to verify your identity by using security measures like facial recognition, fingerprints, or a PIN, but it’s nice to see that more services are starting to adopt it.

Source: WABetaInfo