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| Passkeys: A Safer and Easier Alternative to Passwords |
Passkeys: A Safer and Easier Alternative to Passwords
Passwords are the most common way to authenticate users on the web, but they are also the most vulnerable. Hackers can easily guess, steal or crack passwords, especially if users reuse them across multiple sites. That’s why some experts are advocating for a new technology called passkeys, which promise to make online security more convenient and effective.
What are passkeys?
Passkeys are computer-generated passwords that are unique for each site and device. They are stored in an encrypted format on your device, such as your smartphone or laptop, and they are never transmitted over the internet. To use a passkey, you simply need to unlock your device with a biometric sensor (such as a fingerprint or facial recognition), a PIN or a pattern. Then, you can access any site that supports passkeys without entering a password.
Why are passkeys better than passwords?
According to David Shipley, a cybersecurity expert and the CEO of Beauceron Security, passkeys have several advantages over passwords. He explained:
- Passkeys are more secure because they are not human-readable and they cannot be reused. Even if a hacker breaches one site, they cannot use the same passkey to access another site or device.
- Passkeys are more convenient because they eliminate the need to remember and type passwords. Users can sign in faster and easier with just their device and a simple gesture.
- Passkeys are more user-friendly because they reduce the friction and frustration of password management. Users do not have to create, change or reset passwords, nor do they have to deal with password policies, expiration dates or verification codes.
How can I use passkeys?
Passkeys are not widely adopted yet, but they are gaining momentum as more companies and organizations recognize their benefits. Some of the services that already support passkeys include:
- Microsoft accounts: You can use passkeys to sign in to your Microsoft account and access services like Outlook, OneDrive, Skype and Xbox. To enable passkeys, you need to download the Microsoft Authenticator app on your device and follow the instructions1
- Google accounts: You can use passkeys to sign in to your Google account and access services like Gmail, YouTube, Drive and Photos. To enable passkeys, you need to add your device as a security key in your Google account settings and follow the instructions2
- Apple accounts: You can use passkeys to sign in to your Apple account and access services like iCloud, iTunes, App Store and Apple Pay. To enable passkeys, you need to have an iOS 15 or macOS Monterey device and follow the instructions3
What are the challenges of using passkeys?
While passkeys offer many advantages, they also face some challenges and limitations. Some of the issues that need to be addressed include:
- Compatibility: Not all sites and devices support passkeys yet, so users may still need to use passwords for some services. To increase the adoption of passkeys, there needs to be a common standard and protocol that can work across different platforms and browsers.
- Backup: If users lose or damage their device, they may lose access to their passkeys and their accounts. To prevent this, users need to have a backup device or a recovery method that can restore their passkeys.
- Education: Users may not be aware of or trust passkeys, especially if they are used to passwords. To encourage users to switch to passkeys, there needs to be more awareness and education about how they work and why they are better.
Conclusion
Passkeys are a new technology that aims to replace passwords with a safer and easier alternative. By using passkeys, users can sign in to their online accounts with just their device and a simple gesture, without having to remember or enter passwords. Passkeys are more secure, convenient and user-friendly than passwords, but they also face some challenges and limitations that need to be overcome. Passkeys are not yet widely available, but they are expected to become more popular and common in the near future.
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