As part of a broader trend in enhancing security and user experience, X (formerly Twitter) introduces passkeys for US-based iOS users. Kris Holt, a contributing reporter, outlines the advantages of this new authentication method, emphasizing its simplicity and heightened security features.

Key Points:

1. Passkeys Simplify Login Experience:

• Users can now opt for passkeys, a secure alternative to traditional passwords, streamlining the login process on X (formerly Twitter) for iOS users.
• Passkeys eliminate the need to remember passwords and provide a seamless authentication experience.

2. Secure Passkey Setup:

• Setting up passkeys involves generating a public key and a private key on the user’s device.
• The private key remains on the device, while the public key is stored on X’s platform, ensuring a secure and encrypted authentication process.

3. Universal Passkey Across Devices:

• Once set up, a passkey is linked to the user’s iCloud account, enabling its use across all devices associated with that iCloud account.
• The passkey becomes a universal authentication method, contributing to a consistent and convenient user experience.

4. Authentication Methods and Phishing Resistance:

• Logging in with a passkey involves familiar authentication methods such as PIN, fingerprint, or face scan, mirroring the simplicity of unlocking a phone.
• Passkeys significantly enhance security by thwarting phishing attacks, as they are inherently more challenging to exploit.

5. Opt-In Approach and X Premium Considerations:

• X emphasizes that passkey adoption is optional, and users won’t be compelled to sign up for this feature.
• Passkeys present an alternative to X’s SMS-based two-factor authentication, a method now accessible behind the X Premium paywall.

6. Implementation Steps:

• Users interested in passkeys can set them up by accessing account settings on the X iOS app: Your account > Settings and privacy > Security and account access > Security > Additional password protection > Passkey.

7. Deletion Option for Passkeys:

• X provides users the flexibility to delete passkeys if they change their preferences or find it necessary. The deletion process involves accessing account settings and following the prompts.

As X enhances security measures and user convenience, the introduction of passkeys marks a positive step towards a more robust and user-friendly authentication experience on the platform.