What are passkeys?

How do passkeys work?

Moving Away from Passwords:

Traditionally, we rely on passwords to verify our identity on websites and apps. These passwords are vulnerable to various attacks like phishing and data breaches. it aims to eliminate these risks.

The Power of Public-Key Cryptography:

Unlike passwords, passkeys leverage public-key cryptography. This creates a special key pair on your device, consisting of a public key and a private key.

• Public Key (Think Telephone Directory): Imagine the public key as a publicly listed phone number in a directory. Anyone can see it.
• Private Key (Think Your Phone): The private key, on the other hand, is like your actual phone – it’s unique and kept secret on your device.
• Authentication Process: When logging in, the website sends a challenge to the device. The private key signs this challenge, and the signed response is sent back to the website for verification.
• Device-Based Authentication: Since the private key never leaves the device and is protected by biometric authentication (e.g., Face ID, fingerprint scan) or a device PIN, it significantly reduces the risk of phishing and hacking.
• Cross-Device Syncing: If users have multiple devices, passkeys can be synced through a secure cloud service like iCloud Keychain, Google Password Manager, or Microsoft Authenticator, allowing users to access their accounts across devices seamlessly.

🔒 Passkeys vs. Passwords vs. 2FA: Why Passkeys Win

Why Passkeys Are Better:

• No more password resets.
• No risk of phishing (unlike SMS-based 2FA).
• Works even if the website is hacked (private key never leaves your device).

1. Enhanced Security

• Since passkeys are based on public-key cryptography, they are resistant to common cyber threats like phishing, brute-force attacks, and password leaks.
• The private key is never exposed, reducing the risk of credential theft.

2. User-Friendly Experience

• No need to remember or enter complex passwords.
• Users can log in using biometrics (Face ID, fingerprint scan) or a device PIN, making authentication quick and hassle-free.

3. Cross-Device Compatibility

• Passkeys are designed to work across different devices and platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
• Cloud-based syncing ensures users can access their accounts without manually setting up passkeys on every new device.

4. Phishing Resistance

• Unlike passwords, passkeys cannot be stolen via phishing attacks, as they are device-specific and do not rely on shared secrets.
• Even if a hacker attempts to lure users into entering credentials on a fake website, passkeys will not work since the private key remains securely stored on the user’s device.

5. No Password Resets Needed

• Since passkeys eliminate the need for passwords, users won’t have to go through tedious password reset processes if they forget their credentials.

Which gadgets work with Passkey?

Major platforms and devices are actively incorporating compatibility for passkeys, though they are still under development.

• iPhones and iPads running iOS 16 or later (with limitations)
• Some Android phones with Google Play Services (limited beta testing)
• Mac computers running macOS 13 (Ventura) or later (with limitations)
• Some Windows 11 devices with Insider builds (limited beta testing)
• Websites and Apps: work across various platforms.
• Windows Hello: Windows users can use passkeys with PINs, facial recognition, or fingerprints.
• Password Managers: can be stored securely in password manager vaults or device keychains.
• Passkeys Compatibility: Which Platforms Support? https://www.authgear.com/features/passkeys
• Passkeys: Device and Browser Compatibility https://passkeys.dev/device-support/

Difference between passkeys and passwords?

Are Passkeys Completely Replacing Passwords?

While passkeys are expected to replace traditional passwords in the long run, the transition will take time. Many services still rely on password-based authentication, and users may need to use both passwords and passkeys during this transition period. However, major companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft are actively pushing for a passwordless future, meaning passkeys will eventually become the norm.

Challenges and Limitations of Passkeys

1. Adoption Rate

• Since passkeys are a relatively new technology, not all websites and services support them yet. Adoption is increasing, but it will take time before it becomes universal.

2. Device Dependency

• Since passkeys are tied to a device, losing access to a primary device may create inconvenience. However, syncing passkeys through iCloud, Google Password Manager, or Microsoft Authenticator helps mitigate this issue.

3. Initial Learning Curve

• Users accustomed to passwords may need time to adapt to the passkey system and understand its functionality.

Future of Passkeys

With cybersecurity threats on the rise, passkeys are being positioned as the future of authentication. Companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft are committed to expanding passkey support across services, making passwordless logins the standard. As more websites and applications integrate passkeys, users will experience a more secure and seamless authentication process.

Conclusion

Passkeys represent a significant leap forward in authentication technology, offering a safer, faster, and more user-friendly alternative to traditional passwords. By eliminating the risks associated with password leaks and phishing attacks, passkeys enhance security while simplifying the login experience. As more services adopt this technology, we can expect a future where passwords become obsolete, making digital interactions more secure and convenient for everyone. If you haven’t tried passkeys yet, now is the perfect time to explore this cutting-edge authentication method!