WhatsApp Adds Multiple Passkeys for Phishing-Resistant Sign-Ins Across iOS and Android
Meta on Tuesday announced a set of WhatsApp account security features, including support for multiple passkeys to a single account to help users with both iOS and Android devices sign into their accounts using the phishing-resistant method. The tech giant said more than 1 billion people use a passkey to log into WhatsApp. Support for passkeys was first introduced in Android in October 2023,
WhatsApp has recently introduced enhanced security measures to safeguard user accounts, including a more robust two-step verification process and the capability to incorporate additional passkeys. These updates aim to bolster account safety amidst escalating phishing and hacking threats. Previously, WhatsApp utilized a six-digit PIN as an additional security measure to thwart unauthorized access even if an attacker obtained the user's one-time passcode.
However, users can now opt for a longer, alphanumeric password with special characters, making it more challenging to guess the PIN. Moreover, passkeys, which WhatsApp began supporting in 2024, offer an even higher level of security than traditional passwords. By enabling users to log in using Face ID or their fingerprint, passkeys reduce reliance on username and password combinations that are often vulnerable to phishing attacks.
As a result, attackers would need direct access to a user's device to bypass these passkeys, making them significantly more difficult to exploit remotely. In addition to the strengthened verification process, WhatsApp has introduced the ability to include multiple passkeys within a single account, which proves beneficial for users who employ both iOS and Android devices.
This feature ensures seamless access across platforms while maintaining a high level of security. Furthermore, Android users will now receive additional context when receiving calls from unfamiliar numbers. This information includes the caller's country of origin and any shared groups, providing users with greater insight into the nature of incoming calls.
These new features complement the expanding suite of updates WhatsApp has rolled out in recent months. Following the introduction of usernames in late June, allowing individuals to share their profiles sans phone number, Meta recently unveiled a subscription plan for WhatsApp, dubbed WhatsApp Plus. This premium tier unlocks a plethora of additional features, such as profile customization, super reactions, story insights, and more.
The WhatsApp Plus plan joins similar "Plus" offerings for Instagram and Facebook, expanding Meta's suite of premium services.
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