Passwords have been around for decades, but they come with plenty of headaches. Many people use weak passwords or reuse the same ones across different sites. This makes them easy targets for hackers. Phishing attacks, where scammers trick you into giving up your password, are still very common. And even if you have a strong password, it’s no good if it gets stolen in a data breach.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) helps by adding another layer of security, but it’s not perfect either. It can be inconvenient, especially if you lose your 2FA device. And some methods, like SMS-based codes, are vulnerable to SIM-swapping attacks where hackers hijack your phone number.
So, what’s the solution? Enter passkeys.
What Are Passkeys?
Passkeys are a new, secure way to log in without needing passwords. They use something called public key cryptography, along with your device’s built-in biometrics, like a fingerprint or face scan.
Here’s how they work:
- When you set up a passkey, your device creates two keys: a private one that stays on your device and a public one shared with the website or app.
- When you log in, the site sends a challenge to your device.
- Your device signs the challenge with the private key and verifies your identity using your biometrics.
- The site checks the signature using the public key, and you’re in—no passwords needed.
Major platforms like Apple, Google, and Microsoft already support passkeys, and they work seamlessly across devices through cloud backups.
Why Passkeys Are More Secure
Passkeys solve many of the security problems that come with passwords and 2FA:
- No Phishing: Since you don’t type anything, scammers can’t trick you into revealing your login details.
- No Credential Stuffing: Hackers can’t reuse stolen credentials from one site on another.
- No Keylogging: Passkeys don’t involve typing, so malware that records keystrokes won’t work.
- No Man-in-the-Middle Attacks: Passkeys rely on cryptographic exchanges, making interception pointless.
Challenges to Keep in Mind
While passkeys are a big improvement, they’re not perfect yet. Here are some things to consider:
- Limited Support: Not every service offers passkey logins yet, so you’ll still need passwords for some sites.
- Device Issues: If you lose the device with your passkeys, you’ll need to rely on cloud backups or recovery methods.
- Education: Many people don’t know about passkeys yet, so there’s a learning curve.
- Privacy Concerns: Some users worry about how their biometric data is handled, but it’s important to note this data is stored locally on your device, not shared.
Move Towards a Password-Free Future
Passkeys offer a simpler, more secure way to log in. If a service you use supports passkeys, try enabling them. They’re easier to use, safer from cyberattacks, and eliminate the frustration of remembering passwords.
If you run a business, now’s the time to start offering passkey support to protect your users and stay ahead of the curve. Together, we can make passwords a thing of the past and create a safer online world—one passkey at a time.