GUIDE  Security  November 28, 2023  Reading time: 3 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

There has been talk about it since last year, with Google's announcement regarding a new security system that would replace common passwords. Since then the implementation of Passkeys has made great strides: many service providers have already integrated this new protection system which promises to be more secure. But what exactly are Passkeys and how do they work? Let's delve deeper into it below.

Passkeys: Revolutionizing User Authentication

In a world plagued by security breaches, overloaded memory with countless passwords, and staggering business losses due to cybercrime, the need for a secure and user-friendly authentication method has never been more crucial. Enter passkeys, the innovative solution poised to redefine the way we access our accounts, both at home and in the workplace.

The Passkey Advantage: A Seamless Authentication Experience

Passkeys represent a departure from traditional passwords, embracing the FIDO standards to bring about a new era in user authentication. By merging biometric verification with cryptographic keys, passkeys offer a more robust and convenient alternative to the age-old password struggle.

How Passkeys Work: A Symphony of Security

Setting up and using passkeys is a breeze, requiring just a few clicks. Unlike passwords, there's no need to craft complex strings of characters or commit them to memory. The power of passkeys lies in their advanced cryptographic methods, rendering them impervious to phishing, brute-force attacks, and other cyber threats.

Moreover, passkeys are automatically unique for each service, eliminating the risk of reuse across multiple accounts. The user is freed from the burden of memory games, relying on biometric authentication or a device PIN for access.

 NO MORE LONG AND COMPLEX PASSWORDS 

Passkeys vs. Traditional Passwords: A Paradigm Shift

Passkeys, designed to replace traditional passwords, leverage a combination of public-key cryptography and biometric data for user authentication. The benefits are manifold:

1. User Experience: No more struggling to remember passwords. Biometric authentication, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, simplifies the login process.
2. Enhanced Security: Each passkey is unique, resistant to common attacks, and securely stored in an encrypted format on devices.
3. Cross-Platform Compatibility: Built on the WebAuthentication standard, passkeys seamlessly operate across various devices, browsers, and operating systems.

The Transition to Passkeys: A Slow Revolution

While the transition to passkeys is gaining momentum, traditional passwords will coexist for some time. However, as the advantages of passkeys become apparent and users experience their benefits firsthand, they are poised to become the predominant method of user authentication.

Additional Benefits of Passkeys: Speed and Convenience

Passkeys offer speed and simplicity. Setting up and using them is swift, with minimal physical inputs required. They enable functionalities like swipe-to-pay and ticket storage in wallets, transcending the limitations of traditional passwords.

 PASSKEYS USE INTEGRATED DEVICE BIOMETRICS 

Acquiring a Passkey: A Simple Process

For users of devices or services supporting passkeys, setting up involves choosing a PIN or creating an access process with biometric information. This streamlined process is evident in familiar setups like managing Google accounts or iCloud keychains.

Embracing the Passwordless Future

Passkeys signify a transformative shift in cybersecurity, gradually replacing traditional passwords. Addressing issues of complacency and lax security practices, passkeys promise to save millions of dollars lost to data theft while fortifying identity protection. As passkeys usher in a future free from the constraints of passwords, embracing this innovative authentication method is not just an option—it's a necessity for a more secure digital landscape.

 IMAGES CREDITS: FREEPIK / RAWPIXEL.COM