MFA adds a significant boost to security but even MFA on its own sometimes isn’t enough. Now we have passkeys: a modern, secure, and user-friendly alternative which replaces passwords!
What Is a Passkey?
A passkey is a form of password-less authentication that uses public key cryptography to verify a user’s identity. That does sound complicated but the usage really isn’t. Instead of relying on a username and password, passkeys are generated which act like a lock and key…
Public key (the lock in this simile): Stored by the website or app.
Private key: Stored securely on the user’s device.
When logging in, the device authenticates the user, typically via biometrics like FaceID, TouchID, or a device PIN, and then uses the private key to complete the login process. The public key confirms the match, granting access without ever transmitting sensitive credentials.
Why Are Passkeys More Secure?
Passkeys offer several security advantages over traditional passwords:
– Phishing-resistant: Because passkeys are tied to specific websites and devices, they can’t be used by a phish.
– No password reuse: Users don’t need to remember or reuse passwords, eliminating a major vulnerability.
– Device-bound: Even if a hacker gains access to a passkey, they’d still need the physical device to use it.
– No server-side storage of secrets: Unlike passwords, passkeys aren’t stored on servers, making them immune to mass data breaches.
For businesses passkeys offer some great advantages:
– Enhanced Security: Passkeys significantly reduce the risk of account takeovers, phishing attacks, and credential stuffing.
– Improved Compliance: Passkeys help organisations meet cybersecurity and data protection regulations by enforcing strong authentication without the complexity of managing password policies and without user friction.
– Simplified User Experience: Employees and clients can log in quickly and securely without remembering complex passwords or dealing with frequent resets. This improves productivity and reduces IT support overhead.
Passkeys represent a major leap forward in authentication technology. For businesses, adopting passkeys can enhance security, streamline operations, and build trust with clients. As cyber threats evolve every business must up their defences and keep pace with the treats.
