Initially, WhatsApp users were unable to protect their chat backups with encryption—even though all messages were end-to-end encrypted, the backups did not have the same protection. From 2021However, WhatsApp offers users two ways to encrypt these backups: a standard password or a 64-digit encryption key.
Both of these methods have security issues. Passwords Maybe Be secure, but let's be honest: many of us use very simple passwords that are easy to remember, and in some cases we even repeat passwords from account to account to make our brains work easier. If your WhatsApp backup password is the same password you use for your email, and the last one flows awayhackers can easily hack your WhatsApp backups. Not good. (Note: Please use a strong and unique password for all your accounts.)
On the other hand, a 64-digit encryption key is extremely secure. Hacking a computer would take a long time (possibly several lifetimes) and would be nearly impossible for a human to guess. But this length 64 characters. You won't remember it, and if you don't save it somewhere safe and secure, you may lose it, and with it, access to your encrypted chat backups. Again, not good.
However, on Thursday WhatsApp announced it adds a new authentication method to protect your encrypted backups and is a big improvement over the two existing options: access keys. If you choose to encrypt your chat backups with a passkey, you can decrypt them the same way you unlock your device, such as using a fingerprint, face scan, or device password.
Access keys combine the best of passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA). The “key” is stored on the device or associated with your account, so there is no need to remember, write down, or store the passphrase in a password manager. This means you don't have to worry about it falling into the hands of a hacker due to a data breach. The only way to gain access to the passkey is to authenticate using a connected and trusted device, such as a smartphone. Without your fingerprint, face scan or password, no one will be able to access your encrypted backups.
How to check if you have access key support
WhatsApp says it is gradually rolling out passkey support “over the coming weeks and months.” To check if your account supports this, follow this link Settings > Chats > Chat backup > End-to-end encrypted backup.
