Passkeys: The Future of Digital Security

In a world where remembering complex passwords is becoming increasingly challenging, passkeys promise a revolution for digital authentication. This method, considered both user-friendly and secure, is gaining significance, especially since Google integrated passkeys into its system about a year and a half ago. Passkeys could eventually replace passwords, but what exactly are they? Passkeys allow users to forgo traditional passwords by utilizing biometric data such as facial or fingerprint recognition, digital patterns, or PINs for login. This method is based on a two-part coding system that only makes sense in combination—similar to a digital lock and key. One half of the code is stored either in the cloud or on a security dongle, while the other half remains with the respective services or apps. Security concerns are expected to be a thing of the past with passkeys, as they only work with the specific websites for which they were created. This reduces the risk of being deceived by phishing attacks. By using cryptographic security technologies, passkeys are also resistant to brute-force attacks. So far, 20% of the top 100 websites worldwide have adopted passkey technology, according to Andrew Shikiar, the CEO of the FIDO Alliance—a trade group that developed the foundational technology for passkeys. Apple was the first to integrate passkeys into iOS in 2022, followed by Google in 2023. Companies like PayPal, Amazon, Microsoft, and eBay are also on board. The FIDO Alliance website provides a comprehensive list of supporting platforms. However, some popular websites, including Facebook and Netflix, have not yet transitioned to passkeys. The technology is still in the early stages of adoption, but according to Shikiar, it is only a matter of time before more websites offer passkeys.