Tired of repeatedly entering your password manually on Elon Musk’s X? Are multiple individuals in your household using your devices, making traditional password managers less secure? But if you’re an X user with an iOS device, you’re in luck.
The social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has introduced a new method (Passkey) to log in using Face ID or Touch ID for iPhone users to eliminating the need for password entry. This feature allows X users with compatible iOS devices to log in without relying on conventional passwords.
Passkeys provide a more secure alternative by utilizing the built-in authentication methods of the device, such as Face ID or Touch ID. To log in, the user’s biometrics or device PIN is used to unlock the local private key, which is then shared with X to verify the user’s identity without exposing any passwords.
In a recent announcement, X Safety expressed their excitement about launching Passkeys as a login option for their US-based iOS users, emphasizing the enhanced security it brings.
This additional layer of login protection comes at a crucial time for X, considering the platform’s history of high-profile account compromises by hackers. Notably, in January 2023, the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s X account was breached, leading to the posting of false information. Even accounts with substantial followers, like Donald Trump Jr., have fallen victim to takeovers, highlighting the need for heightened security measures beyond traditional usernames and passwords on X.
How does passkey work?
X explained in a detailed post that Passkeys operate through public key cryptography, adhering to the WebAuthentication (WebAuthn) standard. During account registration, the device generates a unique key pair, consisting of a public key shared and stored on X, and a private key retained on the user’s device.
To maximize security, the passkey is never disclosed to X, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access to the account. Once enrolled, accessing the account involves choosing the passkey option instead of entering a conventional password.
How to Setup Face ID or Touch ID on X for Login
For users interested in enabling Passkeys on their X accounts, follow the below simple steps
- Log in to the X app with your account.
- Tap “Your account” in the navigation bar and select “Settings and Privacy.”
- Click on “Security and Account access” and then choose “Security.”
- Now click “Two Factor Authenctication” and select “Security Key”
- Enter your password when prompted.
- Select “Add a Passkey” and follow the prompts.
Limitations of Passkey
However, it’s important to note that the introduction of passkeys on X has some limitations. Currently, Passkeys are only supported on iOS mobile devices, leaving Android users and those on desktop operating systems unable to utilize this feature. Additionally, access to Passkeys is restricted to X users in the United States, with no clarity on when or if the feature will expand to other platforms or regions globally. Until then, traditional password login remains the only option for users on different platforms.
Can’t Access Passkey in X?
if you’re not find passkey option on your X profile, dont worry. As per X’s FAQ, this feature is currently unavailable for new accounts. Nevertheless, during our testing, the accounts in question were not new, suggesting that passkeys may still be gradually rolling out to all users.
For those wondering about the data privacy – does Passkeys share biometric data with Elon Musk? According to Apple Face ID privacy, your fingerprints and facial biometric data stay securely stored on your device. In the case of third-party apps like Elon Musk’s X, there is no access to this data.
