The social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has announced its support for passkeys as a login option for iOS users in the US.
Passkeys are a security feature designed to replace traditional passwords, offering a more secure and convenient method of authentication. Unlike passwords, which rely on a user remembering and entering a string of characters, passkeys use cryptographic techniques to authenticate a user’s identity.
When a user registers on a website or app, the device creates a unique passkey that is securely stored and never shared with the website. To log in, the user simply needs to authenticate with their device, often using biometrics like a fingerprint or facial recognition, or a device PIN.
This method significantly reduces the risk of phishing and password theft, as there are no passwords to intercept or steal, and it simplifies the login process for users.
Twitter’s embrace of passkeys characterizes the platform’s chaotic stance on identity security since it was acquired by Elon Musk last year. Prior to taking the helm, Musk signaled that he would make authentication a key priority in an effort to fight Twitter”s bots. Later, the platform eliminated support for SMS-based Two-Factor Authentication for non-paying accounts.
And earlier this month, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s official account was hacked, enabling the fraudulent announcement of its approval for a number of Bitcoin exchange-traded funds.
The concept of passkeys was developed through a collaborative effort involving major tech companies, including Apple, Google, and Microsoft, in conjunction with the FIDO (Fast IDentity Online) Alliance and the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). This collaboration aimed to create a universal standard for passwordless authentication, promoting enhanced security and user convenience across different platforms and devices.
Source: TechCrunch
–
January 26, 2024 – by the Mobile ID World Editorial Team
Follow Us