Passwords are often the weakest link in security, prone to being hacked or stolen. A more secure alternative are passkeys, which offer a simplified and more reliable authentication method. This blog will guide you through the basics of passkeys, how they enhance security, and how you can start using them on your devices and apps.
What are passkeys?
Passkeys are a modern form of digital authentication that uses biometrics (e.g., fingerprints or face scans) or device-based authentication (e.g., a PIN code) to verify a user’s identity. Instead of relying on a static password, passkeys leverage a combination of encryption and public key cryptography, which makes it nearly impossible for hackers to access your accounts. This authentication method is also often more convenient as it lets you sign in with a simple and instant action instead of having to manually type in a string of characters.
Can passkeys be stolen?
It’s incredibly difficult to compromise passkeys. Passkeys are securely stored on your devices in encrypted storage spaces and protected using private key encryption. The private key is never shared with anyone, meaning that even if hackers access your device, they cannot easily retrieve your passkeys.
What happens if you lose your device?
If you lose your device, your passkeys remain protected by device lock screens and encryption, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access.
However, it’s essential to take immediate steps if your device is lost or stolen. Most services allow you to remotely wipe your device or restore your passkeys to a new device so you can regain access to your accounts and data. You should also regularly back up your device and store the backups in a secure location so that if your device is lost, you can easily restore your passkeys.
How to use passkeys across multiple devices
One of the significant advantages of passkeys is the ability to sync them across multiple devices. Services such as Google Password Manager and iCloud Keychain allow users to store and access passkeys on any device they own, making it easy to maintain secure authentication even if you switch devices.
How to create and use passkeys
Setting up passkeys is simple, whether you’re using Google, Microsoft, Apple, or other services. Each platform provides step-by-step instructions to create and use passkeys, often through their respective password management systems. With just a few clicks, you can enable passkey authentication for your online accounts, making security simpler and far more effective.
Where can you use passkeys?
Passkeys are rapidly gaining traction and are now supported by the largest tech platforms. What’s more, crowdsourced platforms such as Passkeys.directory help users find services that accept passkeys, making it easier than ever to transition to this more secure form of authentication. As adoption grows, the list of supported apps and services will continue to expand.
What key challenges should businesses watch out for?
For businesses, adopting passkeys can improve security across the organization. However, there may be challenges in integrating passkeys with existing systems, particularly for businesses that rely on single sign-on (SSO) solutions — a common security practice for managing multiple accounts. While passkeys are increasingly supported, businesses must ensure their infrastructure can accommodate this new form of authentication.
Additionally, there may be a learning curve for employees who are used to traditional password authentication methods. It’s crucial for businesses to provide proper training and support to seamlessly transition to passkeys.
If you need expert guidance on how to implement passkeys and other advanced security measures for your business, our team of cybersecurity professionals is here to help. We specialize in creating robust security solutions that protect your accounts and data from evolving threats. Contact us today to learn how we can help you strengthen your digital security.
