What is a Passkey and Why It's More Secure Than a Password
Table of Contents
What is a Passkey and Why It's More Secure Than a Password
We've relied on passwords for decades. Birthdays, pet names, sports teams, mixed with random numbers or symbols (which is not always, unfortunately, becauase it is unsecure). Yet they're becoming a massive headache, especially when data breaches and phishing attacks have turned passwords from a security measure into a weakness.
Enter Passkeys. They're part of a growing movement towards passwordless authentication. Major tech giants, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, are leading the charge, embracing passkeys as the future of secure authentication. So what's a passkey anyway, and why is everyone talking about it?
What Exactly Is a Passkey?
Simply put, a passkey is a digital credential that securely logs you into your accounts without requiring a traditional password. It relies on biometrics (like fingerprints or facial recognition) or a PIN on your smartphone or laptop to verify your identity. Behind the scenes, passkeys use public key cryptography to authenticate you to apps and websites without ever exposing sensitive information.
How Are Passkeys Different From Passwords?
The key difference? Passkeys don't get stored on websites. Your device locally stores them, preventing the risks of centralized password databases. When you authenticate, your device proves to the site that you're genuine without ever revealing the passkey itself. Compare this to passwords, stored, copied, breached, there's no contest.
Why Are Passkeys More Secure?
Passkeys leverage the security of public key cryptography. They involve two keys: a private key stored securely on your device, and a public key shared with the website or service you're accessing. Here's the cool part: when logging in, your device proves ownership of the private key without actually sharing it. This eliminates the risk of theft during a breach or phishing attack.
In short, passkeys protect you in ways passwords simply can't.
Why Did Passkeys Appear?
The idea of passkeys didn't appear from nowhere. They've appeared as a direct response to password vulnerabilities. Over a decade of data breaches, hacks, and phishing attacks have revealed how easily passwords can be compromised. Passkeys solve these problems by removing passwords from the equation altogether.
Public key cryptography, the technology behind passkeys, isn't new, it dates back to the 1970s. But until recently, we didn't carry powerful computers in our pockets. Today's smartphones have the computing power necessary to support secure public key cryptography. That's why passkeys are finally becoming practical.
Who Already Adopted Passkeys?
Big tech has quickly jumped on the passkey bandwagon:
- Google: Already supports passkeys across various services.
- Microsoft: Integrated passkeys into Windows Hello and Azure Active Directory.
- Amazon: Implemented passkeys for secure customer account logins.
These companies aren't taking chances, they know passkeys are the next big step for cybersecurity.
The Goal of a Passwordless Future
Going passwordless isn't just about convenience; it's fundamentally about security. The entire point is to simplify secure authentication. Passkeys eliminate the hassle of remembering complex passwords or managing multiple authentication methods. They also remove vulnerabilities from phishing and password theft, creating a smoother, and safer, user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What exactly is a passkey?
A passkey is a secure digital credential stored on your device that authenticates you using biometrics or a PIN instead of passwords.
2. Are passkeys safer than passwords?
Yes, passkeys use public key cryptography, making them safer by avoiding password storage and weakness to phishing.
3. What happens if I lose my device with my passkey?
Your passkey is protected by biometrics or PIN; losing your device doesn't compromise your account. You can simply set up a new passkey on a replacement device.
4. Can one passkey work across multiple devices?
Yes, you can have multiple passkeys across different devices, including shared family devices.
5. Which major companies use passkeys?
Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have already adopted passkeys for secure authentication.
6. Can websites see my biometric data?
No, biometric data stays local on your device. Websites never receive or store this sensitive information.
7. Are passkeys easy to use?
Absolutely, passkeys make authentication simpler by removing the need to remember complex passwords, replacing them with intuitive biometric or PIN-based methods.
Keywords
About The Author
Ayodesk Publishing Team led by Eugene Mi
Expert editorial collective at Ayodesk, directed by Eugene Mi, a seasoned software industry professional with deep expertise in AI and business automation. We create content that empowers businesses to harness AI technologies for competitive advantage and operational transformation.
Continue Reading:
How OTP and 2FA Work – Protecting Your Digital Identity
Learn how One-Time Passwords (OTP) and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) provide enhanced protection against unauthorized access....
Choosing a HIPAA-Compliant Help Desk for a Small Healthcare Business
If you're a small business owner in healthcare then you've probably wondered how to choose...
SOC 2 Compliance Guide for Startups
Learn about SOC 2, why it matters, who must comply, costs, and practical steps to...