X Introduces Passkey Support for US-Based iOS Users

A new and more secure way of logging in through passkeys on X is reportedly now available for US-based iOS users, a feature that will help supposedly help users achieve a more "seamless" logging-in process with better security.

X announced the newest login option through a post on the social media platform. Passkeys reportedly employ biometric authentication, such as Face ID or Touch ID, a PIN, or a physical security authentication key to authenticate login attempts, in contrast to logins that merely need a username and password combination.

This new procedure makes the login process more secure and smooth by combining the advantages of two-factor authentication into a single step.

This notion proves to be echoed by Kathleen Moriarty, chief technology officer of the Center for Internet Security, as she states that passkeys are the way of the future for basic internet security since they are inherently more secure and resistant to phishing attacks, as per a CNBC report last year.

X's Passkey Process

As per X's official guide, users may choose the passkey login option under 'Settings and Privacy' wherein users will have to click the 'Security and account access' tab and thereafter click 'Security' where 'Additional password protection' is available.

After selecting the passkey option during account enrollment on their devices, users may log in to their accounts without typing a traditional password. Once the public key has been saved, users' devices will safely establish a connection with X to verify their identity.

A separate report notes that users can see the option to "Delete a passkey" by following the same procedures if they decide to change their minds and want to remove their passkey.

X notes that while passkeys are not required for logging in, it remains to be "highly encouraged" due to its more secure nature. Tech Crunch reports that X's passkey login option remains limited to US-based iOS users and dates when it might arrive overseas and to other devices remain unknown.

Password-less Future

Given that it is a project of the World Wide Web Consortium, the FIDO Alliance, and major tech companies like Apple, this development turns out to be predictable. a purpose to make password-less logins possible on a range of devices, OSs, and browsers. It has been stated that passkeys were added to iOS devices in September 2022 and Google accounts in May of last year.

Moreover, passwords continue to be problematic in a number of ways, including the fact that users often use highly similar or identical phrases across several platforms and that they frequently contain sensitive information.

CNBC adds that selecting predictable passwords like makes it easy for hackers to get access to users' accounts. This implies that by only obtaining the password for a single website or platform, a hacker may be able to access several accounts that belong to a single person.

Passkeys solve this problem by removing the possibility of human error leading to security problems. Passkeys cannot be reused since they are exclusive to each user and the program.