X, formerly known as Twitter, is now offering a new and improved login method for all iOS users worldwide. This security feature, called passkeys, was first introduced in January but was only available to iOS users in the United States. However, as announced by the X @ Safety account on Monday, passkeys can now be used by iOS users globally.
The implementation of passkeys in X is not an isolated case. Other popular apps and services, such as PayPal, TikTok, WhatsApp, GitHub, and others, have already integrated this technology. In fact, Google made passkeys the default sign-in option for all its users last fall. Other major companies, including Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and others, also support this method.
Update: Passkeys is now available as a login option for everyone globally on iOS! Try it out.https://t.co/v1LyN0l8wF – Safety (@Safety) April 8, 2024
The concept of passkeys was initiated by Google, Apple, Microsoft, and the FIDO Alliance, with the collaboration of the World Wide Web Consortium. The main goal is to allow passwordless logins across various devices, operating systems, and web browsers. Unlike traditional passwords, passkeys use biometric authentication, such as Face ID or Touch ID, a PIN, or a physical security key, to verify user logins. This process combines the benefits of two-factor authentication (2FA) into a single step, making the login process more seamless while ensuring increased security.
For X, the implementation of this feature could help protect user accounts against hacks from malicious actors. The social media platform has experienced numerous high-profile hacks over the years, including one in January where the U.S. Securities and Exchange’s X account shared a fraudulent post about the approval of a Bitcoin ETF. In another instance, Donald Trump Jr.’s X account was hacked to spread a false message about the passing of Donald Trump. Additionally, in 2020, there was a major crypto scam that compromised many large accounts, including those of Apple, President Biden, and X’s owner Elon Musk.
In addition to providing increased security, the addition of passkeys can also benefit X users who previously relied on SMS 2FA to protect their accounts. Last year, X announced that this option would be removed for non-paying users, arguing that it could be easily abused by malicious actors, such as in the case of SIM swaps. However, this decision ultimately made X less secure.
X offers users detailed instructions on how to set up and use passkeys on iOS. Unfortunately, there is no update yet on when Android users will have access to this feature. But for now, iOS users can enjoy a more secure login experience on X with the implementation of passkeys.
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