Passkeys are intended to replace traditional passwords as a safer, more secure method of logging into our online accounts.
That will be a significant step forward for online security, and it is expanding rapidly as more and more big names adopt the technology. So, how long before we finally say good-by to the password?
The FIDO alliance, an organization of major technology companies including Apple, Google, and Microsoft, has long supported this new technology in the hope that it will eventually eliminate the need for passwords entirely.
These megabrands are already implementing passkeys in some of their applications. But now that some of the biggest names in password management software are getting in on the act, things are likely to pick up even faster.
Passkeys operate by generating and storing credentials on your phone that only you have access to. These are known as private keys, and they are authenticated by the biometrics you use to log in to that device – your fingerprint or the facial recognition system on your phone.
When you log in, the site generates a public key and then requests your private key. Your matching passkey, like a password, grants you access to your account.
Password managers allow you to create and save complex passwords, ensuring that you always have a strong, unique, and unguessable password for each site.
However, the adoption of passkeys by a growing number of traditional password managers is likely to hasten the transition.
We’ve spent years putting strong passwords in place. Will we miss them when they’re no longer here? Most likely not…
Any step toward greater security is always welcome, and we don’t believe it will be long before most online accounts use passkeys.
If you’d like any help to keep your business secure in 2023, please get in touch.