Passkeys Will Replace Passwords
14 November 2023Remembering passwords will soon be a thing of the past: instead, you’ll log in with a simple tap. This innovative approach is known as passkeys and is already available in limited form. In the future, this technology is expected to be widely adopted across various websites and applications.
Passkey: A Digital Key
A passkey is a technique where a digital key is securely stored on your device and can only be accessed using your fingerprint, facial recognition, or simply a PIN code.
Benefits of Passkeys
Passkeys offer several advantages for security and access control. Here are some key benefits:
- Enhanced Security:
Passkeys significantly reduce the risk of hacking by using unique and hard-to-replicate identifiers. This makes it much harder for malicious actors to gain access to accounts. - Ease of Use:
Compared to remembering complex password combinations, passkeys offer a more intuitive and user-friendly experience. Users can log in easily using biometric data or other unique traits. - Reduced Dependence on Passwords:
Passkeys can end the era of passwords, eliminating vulnerabilities like weak passwords and reuse.
How Do Passkeys Work?
Passkeys use asymmetric cryptography. Simply put, there are two keys: a private key and a public key. The public key is not sensitive and is stored by the app or website—it can be hacked or stolen without issue. The private key remains securely on your device.
When you try to log in to a website, it asks you to prove you possess the private key that matches the public key. This process is known as a handshake, similar to shaking hands. If successful, you gain access. Without the private key, the handshake cannot occur.
Typically, you can only access your passkey after verifying your identity via fingerprint, face scan, or PIN—just like unlocking your phone. This adds an extra layer of security.
