Passwords are inefficient, difficult to remember, and tend to be easy to crack with enough computing power. This combined with most people reusing them makes for a recipe for disaster.
This is why the advancements in the consumer space are exciting to watch, as they will enable users to be secure, without having to manage a hundred passwords.
Google has enabled passkey-only Google accounts.
The TLDR of how it works is it uses an authentication method that uses the device’s operating system to directly swap public-private key pairs with websites. They are synced via the operating system ecosystem (Windows Hello vs macOS Keychain).
This enables users to not have to use passwords for their accounts.
This is after Apple enabled the same last year with iOS 16. You can see an example of this in use below.
This is part of the industry wide move away from passwords. This has been an effort for some time in the enterprise world, so it’s good to see it happening in the consumer space.
Let’s go over what passkeys are in practice and the Security benefits of them.
Security Benefits of Passkeys
Passkeys are a newer and innovative approach to authentication (AuthN) in the consumer space that looks to make password-based security a thing of the past. Rather than relying on traditional passwords, passkeys use a combination of biometric data and device-based security features to authenticate users.
From an Identity Security and business standpoint passkeys free up IT resources saving the company time, money, and reduces the workload for support teams. (Not to mention the reduction in password resets you’ll have to go through)
One of the main benefits of passkeys is that they eliminate the need for passwords altogether. This is a huge advantage, as passwords are notoriously difficult to remember and often lead to security breaches due to their inherent flaws.
Long story short, passwords are phishable.
With passkeys, users can simply use something they have such as their phone’s camera for the QR code, and something they are, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, to access their accounts.
Another benefit of passkeys is that they provide an added layer of security. Because passkeys are tied to specific devices and through cryptographic key pairs, they use a combination of biometric and device-based data, which makes it much more difficult to replicate or steal. Passkeys cannot be stolen or shared, reducing the risk of Account Takeover (ATO) attacks.
Lastly, passkeys offer a seamless user-friendly experience across different devices and platforms. Not only that, you can easily authenticate your identity with a simple gesture, such as a fingerprint scan or facial recognition.
Users can use the same passkey to authenticate on their laptops, smartphones, and other devices, eliminating the need to remember multiple passwords or go through various authentication processes.
For a full list of supported devices and platform versions, check out
https://passkeys.dev/device-support/
In Summary, passkeys will provide the following
- Password-less logins
- Enhanced Account Security
- Seamless User Experience
Conclusion
The adoption of passkeys marks a significant step forward in the betterment of digital security. As major players like Google and Apple continue to enable and promote this passwordless approach, we can expect a safer and more seamless user experience.
Stay secure from Account Takeovers and embrace the power of passkeys — the future of consumer security is here, and it’s time to leave passwords behind.
