Since their introduction in 2021, passkeys have gained widespread adoption by major tech companies like Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. If you've encountered the option to enable passkeys during account creation or updates, you might wonder whether they're worth using. The answer is clear: yes. Passkeys not only simplify logins but also offer superior security compared to traditional passwords.
This guide explores how passkeys work, their security advantages, and key differences from passwords—helping you make informed decisions for your digital security.
How Do Passkeys Work?
Passkeys leverage asymmetric cryptography, consisting of two components:
- Public key: Stored by the service provider (e.g., Google or Amazon).
- Private key: Securely saved on your device (e.g., smartphone, laptop, or password manager).
When logging in:
- The service sends a cryptographic "challenge" to your device.
- Your device uses the private key to sign and resolve the challenge.
- Authentication completes via biometrics (fingerprint/face scan) or a PIN.
This process eliminates the need to manually enter credentials, reducing phishing risks and human error.
Why Are Passkeys More Secure Than Passwords?
1. Phishing Resistance
- Traditional passwords can be stolen via fake login pages. Passkeys bind authentication to the original domain, preventing credential theft.
2. Built-in Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- The device storing your private key acts as a second authentication factor (e.g., "something you have").
3. No Weak or Reused Credentials
- Users don’t create or remember passkeys—they’re auto-generated and unique per account.
4. Breach Resilience
- Even if a service’s database is hacked, attackers only access useless public keys without paired private keys.
👉 Discover how leading platforms implement passkeys
Key Differences Between Passkeys and Passwords
| Feature | Passkeys | Passwords |
|-----------------------|-----------------------------------------------|------------------------------------|
| Creation | Auto-generated; no user input | Manually created by users |
| Phishing Risk | Nearly impossible | Highly vulnerable |
| Cross-Device Use | Requires sync (e.g., via password manager) | Works everywhere |
| Adoption | Limited to supported platforms (e.g., Amazon) | Universal |
FAQ: Addressing Common Questions
1. Can I use passkeys on all my accounts?
Not yet. Major platforms like PayPal and Best Buy support them, but check our Passkey Directory for updates.
2. What if I lose my device?
Use a password manager (e.g., Keeper) to sync passkeys across devices securely.
3. Do I still need passwords?
Yes—for accounts without passkey support, combine strong passwords with MFA.
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Next Steps: Enhancing Your Security
- Enable passkeys where available (e.g., Amazon, Google).
- Use a password manager to store passwords and sync passkeys.
- Activate MFA for accounts lacking passkey support.
Pro Tip: Start with a 30-day free trial of Keeper to centralize credential management.
By adopting passkeys and following these best practices, you’ll significantly reduce cyber risks while streamlining logins. Stay ahead of threats—upgrade your authentication strategy today!