The Differences Between Passkeys and Passwords

Say goodbye to password fatigue and hello to the future of secure logins with passkeys.

Understanding Passkeys: A New Era of Secure Logins

Passkeys represent a groundbreaking shift in the way we authenticate ourselves online. Unlike traditional passwords, which require users to remember and type in a string of characters, passkeys rely on a more secure and user-friendly approach. Instead of something you know, passkeys utilize something you have, like your smartphone or computer, and something you are, such as your fingerprint or facial recognition.

This dual-factor system, which combines possession and biometric authentication, significantly enhances security while simplifying the user experience. By leveraging the unique features of modern devices, passkeys ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive information, ultimately reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

The Downfalls of Traditional Passwords

Passwords have long been the standard for online security, but they come with a variety of issues. They are difficult to remember, especially when adhering to recommended guidelines for complexity and uniqueness. This often leads to bad habits such as reusing passwords across multiple sites or choosing easily guessable passwords.

Additionally, passwords are susceptible to a range of attacks. Phishing schemes can trick users into revealing their passwords, while brute force attacks can crack weak passwords in a matter of seconds. Even well-protected passwords can be compromised if they are stored on vulnerable servers or transmitted over insecure connections.

How Passkeys Work: The Technology Behind the Scenes

At the core of passkey technology are cryptographic keys: a public key and a private key. The public key is stored by the service provider, such as Google or Microsoft, while the private key remains securely on the user’s device. This private key is never shared, making it virtually impossible for attackers to intercept.

When logging in, the user’s device responds to a security challenge from the server by using biometrics or a PIN to unlock the private key. If the private key matches the public key held by the server, access is granted. This process ensures that even if the public key is compromised, it cannot be used without the corresponding private key.

Why Passkeys Are Safer Than Passwords

Passkeys offer several significant security advantages over traditional passwords. Firstly, there is no password to phish. Since users are not required to type in a password, there is no risk of it being stolen through phishing emails or fake login pages.

Additionally, passkeys require biometric authentication or a device PIN, adding an extra layer of security. Even if a malicious actor gains physical access to a user’s device, they would still need the user’s fingerprint, face, or PIN to proceed.

Furthermore, the private key never leaves the user’s device, eliminating the risk of it being intercepted during transmission or stored on a vulnerable server. This ensures the user’s credentials remain secure, even in the event of a server breach.

Getting Started with Passkeys: A Quick Guide

Adopting passkeys is a straightforward process for most users. If you have a recent iPhone, Android phone, Mac, or Windows PC, you already possess the necessary hardware. To begin using passkeys, follow these simple steps:

1. Log in to a service that supports passkeys.
2. Choose to create or save a passkey when prompted.
3. Complete the setup by following the on-screen instructions, which typically involve biometric 

authentication or setting up a device PIN.

With these easy steps, you can enhance your online security and say goodbye to the hassle of managing multiple passwords. Need assistance getting started? We’re here to help—contact us.