WhatsApp prepares to enhance user security with cryptographic Passkey support

WhatsApp is in the process of integrating passkey support into its platform, offering users an additional security measure. Passkeys are an authentication system utilizing cryptographic keys, with one half stored on the platform and the other authenticated via biometric features on the user's device, such as face unlock or fingerprint.

In a recent beta release, version 2.23.17.5, available to testers via the Google Play Store, WABetaInfo discovered a screen hinting at the app's impending passkey support. The screen portrays passkeys as a “simple way to sign in safely”.

According to the WhatsApp settings page, “You can now use your fingerprint, face, or screen lock to verify if it's you with a passkey. Your passkeys are safely stored in your Google Password Manager.” Users will have the option to enable the passkey toggle on the settings page to start using this form of verification, or continue with the traditional method.

As of now, it remains unclear when Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, will incorporate this new security feature into a full-fledged WhatsApp version release.wh