WhatsApp Introduces Passkey Feature to Securely Restore Encrypted Cloud Backups

According to reports, WhatsApp is introducing passkey support to enable users to recover their encrypted end-to-end chat backups from compatible cloud providers. The functionality enables users to unlock their backups using biometric techniques, including fingerprint, facial recognition, or the screen lock code from their prior device, according to a TechCrunch article.

To restore their backups, users are currently forced to utilise lengthy 64-digit keys or passwords, which can be difficult to remember or easily misplaced. When switching or restoring devices, passkey support should make it simpler and safer to recover encrypted communications.

Meta was the First to Use Encrypted Backups

According to the article, Meta initially implemented end-to-end encrypted backups in 2021 to safeguard chat history kept on iCloud or Google Drive. According to WhatsApp, the backups' contents cannot be viewed by either the company or cloud storage providers. This is further enhanced by the new passkey feature, which lessens reliance on manually kept keys or passwords. Android APIs and built-in password managers handle authentication automatically for Android devices using passkeys.

Backup restoration is made quicker and safer by allowing users to verify their identity using well-known techniques like fingerprints, facial recognition, or device PINs. Additionally, the passkey system facilitates smooth device transfers. As long as the same password manager is utilised, users can restore encrypted backups from a new Android device without having to manually enter complicated passwords. This makes the setup procedure simpler while guaranteeing that encryption is maintained.

WhatsApp Enhancing its Security and Privacy Features

The article states that over the upcoming weeks and months, passkey protection would be rolled out progressively. WhatsApp keeps adding new security and privacy features to improve user data protection across all of its platforms.

It is anticipated that this update will make recovering encrypted backups simpler and safer. Passkeys, which allow users to log in using biometrics like fingerprints, facial recognition, or a device PIN, are a contemporary substitute for passwords.

Two parts are used by each passkey: one is kept on the user's device, and the other is kept on the website's server. Passkeys are extremely safe and impervious to phishing attempts since they prevent access without the user's device, even in the event that the server is compromised. Passkeys support biometric or PIN-based logins and offer a more secure authentication solution that is compatible with multiple devices.