WhatsApp Is Introducing Password Support for Encrypted Backups.
Initially, WhatsApp users couldn’t protect their chat backups with encryption—even though all messages were end-to-end encrypted, backups weren’t protected. However, since 2021, WhatsApp offers users two ways to encrypt these backups: a standard password or a 64-character encryption key.
Both of these methods come with security concerns. Passwords can be strong, but let’s be honest: many of us use very simple and easy-to-remember passwords, and in some cases, we even repeat them across accounts to make life easier. If your WhatsApp backup password is the same as your email password and it gets compromised , hackers can easily hack your WhatsApp backups. That’s bad. (Note: Use strong and unique passwords for all your accounts.)
On the other hand, a 64-character encryption key is extremely secure. It would take a computer a long time to crack it (possibly several lifetimes), and it’s virtually impossible for a human to guess. But it’s only 64 characters long . You won’t remember it, and if you don’t store it in a safe place, you could lose it, along with access to your encrypted chat backups. Again, that’s not good.
However, on Thursday, WhatsApp announced the addition of a new authentication method for protecting encrypted backups, a significant improvement over the two existing options: passwords . If you choose to encrypt your chat backups with a key, you’ll be able to decrypt them the same way you unlock your device, such as with a fingerprint, face scan, or passcode.
Access keys combine the benefits of passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA). The “key” is stored on your device or linked to your account, so you don’t need to remember, write down, or store your password in a password manager. This means you don’t have to worry about it falling into the hands of hackers due to a data breach. The only way to access your access key is to authenticate with a connected and trusted device, such as a smartphone. Without your fingerprint, face scan, or password, no one will have access to your encrypted backups.
How to check if you have access key support
WhatsApp says it will gradually roll out passkey support “over the coming weeks and months.” To check if your account supports it, go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > End-to-End Encrypted Backup .