Passkey: The Technology That Promises to Eliminate Passwords

Since the dawn of the internet, passwords have played a key role in protecting access to accounts, documents, devices, data, files, and more. However, as cyber threats evolve, passwords alone are becoming insufficient for digital security, and this is where Passkey comes into play.

Passkey is a new, secure login method for websites and services compatible with Google and Apple accounts, for example. It is expected that passkeys will gradually replace passwords over time, as they offer greater security and convenience.

While passkeys have yet to fully replace passwords, you can learn more about what a passkey is, how this technology works, its advantages, and the differences between passkeys and passwords. Keep reading to get all the details!

What is Passkey?

Passkey is an advanced authentication method that allows users to access websites and applications without needing to combine a username and password, offering greater ease and security during login.

Considered the evolution of current technology, passkey uses public-key cryptography, enabling users to log in to online platforms in the same way they unlock their phones and tablets—by using fingerprint recognition, facial recognition, biometrics, or entering a PIN.

How Does a Passkey Work?

Passkey provides protection against account breaches, even when traditional passwords are compromised, by using public-key cryptography. In practice, passkey works in three steps:

1. Initial Setup:The process starts when the user sets up a passkey on a platform or service. This involves choosing an authentication method other than traditional passwords, such as biometric authentication (fingerprint or facial recognition), security tokens, or other forms of one-time authentication.
2. Authentication Request:When the user wishes to access their account, instead of entering a username and password, they are prompted to provide the passkey registered during setup.
3. Passkey Verification:The system verifies the passkey provided by the user, comparing it to the securely stored version in the database. If the submitted passkey matches the stored one, account access is granted.

What Are the Advantages of Passkeys?

As a more modern and advanced form of online protection, passkeys offer unique benefits to users. Check out the following advantages:

• Enhanced Security:The primary advantage of passkeys is improved security. Methods such as biometric authentication or security tokens are much harder for cybercriminals to compromise compared to traditional passwords, making accounts less vulnerable to brute-force attacks or credential theft.
• Protection Against Compromised Passwords:Even if an attacker obtains your traditional password, they won't be able to access your account without the corresponding passkey. This adds an extra layer of protection, reducing the risk of breaches.
• Accessibility:In many cases, passkeys are easier to use than traditional passwords. Biometric authentication, for example, eliminates the need to remember complex passwords.
• Versatility:Users can choose from various passkey methods that suit their preferences and security needs, including fingerprints, facial recognition, security tokens, two-factor authentication (2FA), etc.
• Prevention of Password Sharing:Passkeys generally can't be shared, preventing individuals from unintentionally sharing credentials or access with others.

What Are the Differences Between Passkeys and Passwords?

Passkeys differ from traditional passwords in their nature and functionality. While passwords are character sequences that users create and must remember each time they log in, passkeys are alternative authentication methods, including biometric authentication like fingerprints or facial recognition, as well as unique security tokens.

This distinction is crucial because traditional passwords are vulnerable to brute-force attacks, social engineering, and leaks due to their textual nature, while passkeys are designed to offer a higher level of security.

Additionally, passkeys are generally easier to use than traditional passwords. For example, biometric authentication eliminates the need for users to memorize complex passwords, simplifying the login process.

It’s also worth noting that passkeys provide an extra layer of protection, safeguarding user accounts even when traditional passwords are compromised. This makes passkeys an effective response to the cybersecurity challenges faced by traditional passwords and an increasingly popular choice for protecting online identities and information.

How Can Passkey Help Make Your Company More Secure?

As you've seen throughout this article, passkey is a more advanced way to protect logins and access. In a business setting, this method can help prevent cyberattacks, data breaches, or unauthorized access through internal threats.

Thus, companies that adopt passkey can more effectively prevent cybersecurity incidents and also maintain data privacy, eliminating potential entry points for cybercriminals and making cybersecurity more democratic and accessible at all levels of the organization.

Interested in learning more about passkey and how this methodology can be useful? Then, browse BugHunt's blog to stay updated on other digital security technologies that can help protect you more effectively against risks.