WhatsApp Boosts Security with Passkey Protection for Encrypted Backups

WhatsApp, the widely used messaging service owned by Meta, has unveiled a notable security enhancement for its user base. The platform is now implementing passkey support for end-to-end encrypted chat backups, a move designed to make accessing chat histories both simpler and more secure.

Up until now, users who opted for end-to-end encryption for their backups stored on services like Google Drive or iCloud faced the challenge of remembering a complex, 64-digit encryption key or a user-defined password. Losing this crucial key could mean permanent loss of access to their backup, potentially resulting in irretrievable data loss if a device was lost or damaged.

With the integration of passkeys, WhatsApp is refining this process significantly. Passkeys enable users to safeguard their backups by utilizing their device's built-in authentication methods, such as a fingerprint scan, facial recognition, or a screen lock PIN. This change not only elevates security, making it tougher for unauthorized individuals to access backups, but also greatly improves user convenience by removing the need to memorize lengthy character strings.

The deployment of passkey support is commencing with Android users, with an equivalent implementation for iOS anticipated to follow in the near future. This development aligns with a broader industry shift towards embracing passkeys as a more robust and user-friendly alternative to conventional passwords.

To activate passkey protection for their backups, users will need to navigate to the 'Chats' section within WhatsApp settings, then select 'Chat backup,' and finally choose the 'End-to-end encrypted backup' option. From there, they will be guided to create or utilize a passkey.

This update reinforces WhatsApp's ongoing dedication to user privacy and security, facilitating greater ease for millions of users to maintain the safety and accessibility of their personal conversations.