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How Passkey is changing login and increasing WhatsApp security
One of WhatsApp’s most recent innovations is the access keyalso known as “passkeys”, which eliminates the need for SMS authentication.
The method promises to revolutionize the way users access their messenger account, offering a safer and more practical alternative.
The feature, already available on Android since last year, has now arrived on iOS devices (iPhone).
What is the access key and how does it work?
The access key is a technology that uses biometric authentication methodssuch as fingerprint or facial recognition, along with PINs, to enable access to online accounts without the need for SMS.
Just choose one of these methods and you will no longer need an SMS code to log into your account. Furthermore, even without an internet connection, it is possible to log in to WhatsApp due to the presence of the access key previously registered on the device.
This method not only simplifies the login process but also makes it safereliminating vulnerabilities associated with message authentication.
Big names in the technology market such as Google, Adobe, and Amazon are already incorporating access keys into their systems.
How to configure the access key on WhatsApp?
- Open the WhatsApp application;
- Tap “Settings” in the bottom right corner on iOS (iPhone), and in the top right corner on Android;
- Tap “Account” and then “Access keys”;
- Select “Create passkey” to activate the feature on your device.
This adaptation highlights a market trend that seeks to offer more security and convenience to users, gradually eliminating less secure authentication systems such as codes sent via SMS.
Access Key Benefits
- Enhanced Security: reduces the risk of phishing attacks and data theft as there is no password to intercept.
- Convenience: simplifies the login process, eliminating the need to memorize and manage multiple passwords.
- Portability: ease of migrating authentication to new devices without the need for complex reconfiguration.
- No sign needed: With this new feature, the need to have a signal to be able to receive SMS comes to an end. You will just need to have Wi-Fi connected.
Despite the clear benefits, the widespread implementation of access keys still faces challenges, such as need for broad adoption by application developers and educating users about new authentication methods.
However, with growing support from large companies and the clear advantage in terms of security and ease of use, it is likely that more platforms will begin to adopt this technology in the coming years.
