What Is a Passkey?

On this Page…

• Why Is There a Need for Passkeys?
• How Does a Passkey Work?
• Why Are Passkeys Stronger Than Traditional Passwords?
• Who Is Adopting and Implementing Passkeys?
• Conclusion

As technology continues to evolve, so has our approach to safeguarding our online profiles and personal data. From basic, often predictable passwords of the past to the present-day integration of fingerprint and face scans, our pursuit has always been to strike a balance between stronger security and user convenience. This quest for better security and innovations in technology has brought us to the passkey. This article looks into what passkeys are and why they might be the game-changer in ensuring both enhanced online security and user convenience.

Why Is There a Need for Passkeys?

Despite the widespread use of the conventional password system, passwords have several vulnerabilities. Many of us have experienced the difficulties of remembering complex passwords, and there’s also the added risk of these passwords being leaked or hacked. Reusing passwords, a common practice due to the sheer number of accounts we hold today, even further compounds this risk. This is where passkeys come into play. Passkeys is an approach looking to eliminate the drawbacks of the traditional password system.

How Does a Passkey Work?

Passkeys go away from the routine of manually entering passwords. Instead, they leverage two cryptographic keys which consist of a public key and a private key. An authenticator generates these keys, such as a smartphone’s operating system or a dedicated password manager. When you wish to access a website or an app, this authenticator provides the necessary credentials, which then remove the need for users to remember or type in a password.

When setting up an account on some websites, users can choose passkeys over traditional passwords. The authenticator can also utilize biometrics such as facial recognition or fingerprints, which further increase security.

The login process utilizing a passkey can be quicker than traditional passwords. Some platforms even offer smartphone QR code scans to facilitate passkey logins on computers.

The public key is stored on the server of the site or app you’re using. If a breach occurs, hackers could access this key. Yet, without the other half of the key, the private key, and often a master password, the public key is of no value. The private key stays secure on your device. For authentication, your device and the server communicate cryptographically, verifying your identity seamlessly.

Why Are Passkeys Stronger Than Traditional Passwords?

Passwords have long been used to keep our online accounts safe, but they have started to show their age in our current digital world. Basic ones can be guessed, and even the more complicated ones can be at risk if stored in places hackers can access. People also add to the challenge. We often pick passwords that are easy to remember, but these can also be easy for others to guess. Sometimes, we might even accidentally give them away, leaving ourselves open to attacks.

Passkeys can be easier and safer to use. Passkeys bring a stronger way to protect our information. They eliminate the need to keep passwords on other company’s computers, which cuts down the danger of many people’s information getting stolen all at once. The way passkeys are built means that just getting one part of the key isn’t enough; one would need the second part and more checks to use it. So, even though they’re not perfect, passkeys bring a big improvement in keeping our online world safe compared to old-style passwords. Again, even if a hacker can hack a site or application and steal the public key, they would still need to hack a separate system to get the private key. Without both keys, hackers cannot gain access to your information.

Who Is Adopting and Implementing Passkeys?

Google, Microsoft, Apple, and other major tech companies see a clear need for better login methods. By working with the FIDO Alliance and W3C standards, they show a joint commitment to improve online safety. This also encourages other businesses to get on board.

Apple has recently added passkeys to its iOS 16. Together with features like TouchID and FaceID, this allows users to easily prove who they are. It’s a smart way to increase security while making things easier for users.

Outside of just certain smartphones, passkeys are gaining traction on other platforms. Android users have the Google Password Manager to keep their passkeys safe. On the other hand, Windows users can use Microsoft’s Windows Hello with passkeys. This provides strong online protection without making it harder to log in.

Web browsers, which we all use to explore the internet, also support this change. Big names like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari are promoting the use of passkeys. This shows we’re heading toward a big change in how we log in online.

For passkeys to really take off, many businesses need to use them. Big names in the online world, like eBay, PayPal, and Nvidia, have already started. Their move towards passkeys sets an example for others. But, changes this big don’t happen instantly. There might be a time when we use both old passwords and passkeys.

One of the best things about passkeys is their easy use on different devices. If you get a new phone or computer, you can bring your passkeys with you without any hassle. Android has made this easy in their setup. For Apple fans, the iCloud Keychain does the job.

The work of big tech names, along with guidelines from FIDO Alliance and W3C, shows that passkeys are here to stay. They’re set to make our online world safer for a long time to come.

Conclusion

Given the advantages of passkeys and the strong support from big tech companies, it’s easy to imagine a time when we don’t use passwords anymore. The FIDO Alliance predicts that within 3-5 years, many online services will have passkey sign-in options. This would mean we’d rely less on passwords. This change would not only make the internet more secure but also make it easier for users to navigate, creating a safer and simpler online environment. We need better security methods as we use the internet more and face new online threats. Passkeys offer a powerful and easy-to-use solution. Like all tech changes, there might be some bumps in the road, but aiming for a safer online world is a journey worth taking.