Passkeys are a form of digital authentication that uses cryptographic key pairs (a public and a private key) to identify users. Unlike traditional passwords, which are often easy to guess or steal and - in the case of strong passwords - difficult to remember, passkeys are unique to each user and device. This means a passkey cannot be reused, shared, or stolen in the way passwords can.
Passkeys vs. passwords
Simplicity and security combined: discover how passkeys reduce the complexity of online security while providing maximum protection
Bye bye passwords: why passkeys are the future of online security
Passkeys are a new approach to online authentication that offer a safer alternative to traditional passwords. In this blog, we'll explore the differences between passkeys and regular passwords, outline the benefits of passkeys, and consider how transitioning to passkeys can enhance online security.
Author: Alan Linnenbank
Published: 6 March, 2024
Wat are passkeys?
The shortcomings of traditional passwords
Passwords are central to the protection of our online identity, but unfortunately, they come with inherent weaknesses that make them easy targets for attacks. One of the most common issues is reusability. Many of us, for the sake of convenience, fall back on using the same password for multiple accounts. This behavior opens the door wide for malevolent actors; if they gain access to one account, many more can quickly come within their reach.
Moreover, there's the issue of predictability. In an effort to make our lives a bit easier, we often choose passwords that are easy to remember, such as birthdays or pet names. However, this also makes them easy to guess for anyone with malicious intent, with all the consequences that entails.
Another significant risk arises from phishing attacks. These cunning tactics deceive users into entering their login details on expertly crafted but fake websites. Once in the hands of cybercriminals, the consequences can often be dire. Together, these weaknesses pose a serious risk to the safety of our online data, making the need for a safer alternative all the more urgent.
For convenience, we tend to fall back on reusing the same password for multiple accounts
The advantages of passkeys versus traditional passwords
In the quest for a safer and more user-friendly method of online authentication, passkeys stand head and shoulders above traditional passwords, thanks to a series of compelling advantages. The foundation of passkeys lies in their unparalleled security. Unlike passwords, which are vulnerable to theft and can be easily guessed, passkeys offer a solid defense. This is because the private key, the heart of the passkey, never leaves the user's personal device. Authentication occurs through a cryptographically verified process, making it nearly impossible for unauthorized individuals to guess or intercept these keys.
But the benefits don't stop there. Passkeys also excel in ease of use. Instead of having to remember countless passwords and enter them with every login attempt, users are freed from this burden with passkeys. Authentication takes place with something that feels much more natural and is often already part of our daily routine: biometrics, such as a fingerprint or facial recognition, or simply a PIN code. These methods are not only faster and easier but also increase security by adding a physical element that is unique to each user.
Another significant advantage of passkeys is the enhanced privacy they offer. Each passkey is uniquely linked to a specific account and device, making it impossible to track a user's digital footprints across different services. This represents a considerable improvement over traditional methods, where email addresses or usernames are often used to track activities across the web. Thus, passkeys provide a powerful combination of security, convenience, and privacy, ushering in a new era of digital authentication.
The benefits of passkeys in brief
Passkeys offer several advantages over traditional passwords:
Security
Passkeys are nearly impossible to guess or steal, as the private key never leaves the user's device and authentication occurs through a cryptographically verified process.
Easy to use
Users don't need to remember or enter passwords; authentication usually happens through biometrics (such as a fingerprint or facial recognition) or a PIN.
Privacy
Since passkeys are unique to each account and device, they cannot be used to track user activities across different services, unlike email addresses or usernames.
The transition to passkeys
While the shift from traditional passwords to passkeys is gaining momentum, there are still challenges in terms of implementation and user acceptance. Companies and services need to update their systems to support passkey authentication, and users have to get accustomed to a new way of logging in. Nevertheless, studies show that passkeys are not only safer but are also perceived by users as easier to use.
It's noteworthy that major service providers like Google and Apple are at the forefront of embracing this technology by already offering users the option to log in with passkeys. This support from leading tech giants is a significant step towards wider acceptance and integration of passkeys into our daily lives. By providing these options, they set a standard for safety and ease of use, encouraging other companies to follow the same path.
Below you will find links to the official pages where you can learn how to set up passkeys for Google and Apple:
These links lead you to the official support pages where you can find step-by-step instructions on setting up passkeys, allowing you to immediately start improving your online security.
Can't use passkeys yet?
A longer password is always safer, so consider setting a passphrase, such as 'AVeryLongPasswordSentenceForLogginIn3723'
Always use different passwords for your various accounts. If one service experiences a hack, it won't affect your other accounts
Whenever possible, always set up two-factor authentication as an additional layer of security
How we implement passkeys for the security of our digital solutions
At Dolphiq, along with our clients, we constantly strive to deliver high quality in our digital solutions. This includes not only developing custom software, digital platforms, and tailored client portals that meet the specific needs of our clients but also, and perhaps even more importantly, leading the way in security and ease of use. That's why we've chosen to integrate passkey security into our software where it adds value. With this approach, we ensure that our products are not only innovative and functional but also provide a secure environment for users, where their data is protected with the most advanced authentication methods currently available.
Qore.works: our digital solution is also secured with passkeys
Conclusion: safety and convenience combined
Passkeys represent a significant step forward in online security and convenience. By addressing the inherent weaknesses of passwords, they offer a robust solution for digital authentication. Although transitioning to passkey-based systems requires time and effort, the potential for a safer and more user-friendly internet is clear. As more services embrace passkey authentication, users will enjoy a more seamless and secure online experience.
Want to read a bit more? Micro TechTalk: The Technology Behind Passkeys
Passkeys are rooted in the Web Authentication standard, or WebAuthn, which utilizes public key cryptography. When an account is registered, the operating system generates a unique cryptographic key pair to be linked with an account for the app or website. These keys, uniquely and securely generated by the device for each account, form the foundation of security.
One of these keys is public and stored on the server; this public key is not a secret. The other, the private key, is essential for actual access and remains unknown to the server. On devices with Touch ID or Face ID, and similar authentication methods on other platforms, this private key can be used to authorize the use of the passkey, after which the user is authenticated for the app or website without transferring a shared secret. This mechanism offers a powerful, user-friendly login method that is extremely effective against phishing.
Within the FIDO Alliance, platform providers have worked together to make the implementations of passkeys compatible with various platforms, allowing them to function on a wide range of devices. This standardization within the FIDO Alliance ensures that passkeys offer a universal, secure, and user-friendly solution for digital authentication across different technologies and ecosystems.
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