WhatsApp has introduced a 'Security Keys' feature to enhance user account security and eliminate dependency on passwords, aiming to prevent traditional hacking attempts.
In a significant move to strengthen user security, WhatsApp has announced the widespread rollout of its new 'Security Keys' feature, which is designed to replace traditional passwords that have been increasingly vulnerable to hacking. This update addresses one of the biggest weaknesses in messaging security—the human element and the usage of weak passwords. The introduction of this feature is seen as a crucial step in bolstering defenses against unauthorized access to user accounts.
The new technology operates based on the FIDO global standards, replacing conventional password or SMS verification codes with unique biometric identity linked solely to the user's device. Previously, hackers could easily trick users into providing verification codes to gain access to their accounts. Now, even if a hacker knows the user's phone number, they cannot access the account without the user's fingerprint, facial recognition, or actual screen lock code—data that remains securely on the user's device at all times.
The latest update also includes three major features, one of which is Cloud Shield, allowing users to encrypt their backups on services like Google Drive and iCloud using the security key. This enhancement is expected to provide users with an added layer of security, making it significantly more challenging for hackers to compromise accounts and offering greater peace of mind for users in an era of increasing cyber threats.
