Meta has introduced passkeys on Facebook and Messenger as an additional login verification feature in a move to enhance its privacy and safety features. In their announcement, Meta stated that the feature would be released on Facebook soon, with Messenger receiving the security update in the next few months. Here’s why you should add a passkey to your account – and how you can do so. What is a passkey? A passkey is a secure digital credential that allows users to login without needing a password. It uses biometrics like fingerprints and facial recognition to authenticate your identity. Importantly, passkeys are immune to phishing attacks, which steal data like logins and credit card information. They are stored only on the user’s device and cannot be reused across different websites or apps, making them more secure than traditional passwords. Why should you use a passkey? The rollout of passkeys on Facebook and Messenger is part of a broader shift away from passwords in the tech industry. This shift stems from the spate of frequent phishing attacks and data breaches seen across platforms. Passkeys eliminate the need to create and remember complex passwords, making the process of logging in simple and quick. Additionally, it bolsters security by storing your login data locally, making them inaccessible to even companies like Meta or Google. For people that have had their data stolen or deal with annoying suspicious login emails, enabling passkeys is a simple yet powerful step toward more control and better protection of your accounts. How to set up passkeys on Facebook To set up a passkey for your account, you can access the Accounts Center menu in your Settings. In the menu, navigate to Password and Security, then Passkey. You will then be prompted by on-screen instructions to authenticate with your phone’s screen lock method, which can include your fingerprint or facial recognition. Currently, passkeys are only available for mobile phones and supported web browsers. (This article has been curated by Arfan Jeelany, who is an intern with The Indian Express)
