We’ve all been there. You try to log in, forget your password, reset it, and go through another round of creating a “strong” password that you’ll probably forget next time.
Good news: that frustrating cycle might soon be over.
Passkeys are emerging as the future of login security. They are being championed by the biggest names in tech, including Apple, Google and Microsoft and their support is moving us closer to a password free future. But what exactly are passkeys? How do they work? And should your business be paying attention?
What is a passkey?
At its simplest, a passkey is a modern replacement for a password. It’s a way to sign in to apps and websites using biometric authentication (like Face ID or fingerprint), a device PIN, or another secure method.
But here’s the key difference: unlike passwords, which are stored and sent over the internet (and can be stolen), passkeys use public key cryptography. This means your login credentials never actually leave your device. The result? It’s faster, easier, and much more secure.
Think of it like a car key. Only your key can unlock your car, and no one else can copy it or use it from a distance.
Why are all the tech giants united behind passkeys?
It’s not often that Apple, Google and Microsoft agree on something. But when it comes to passkeys, they are all on the same page. Why? Because passwords simply aren’t working anymore.
Billions of stolen login credentials are floating around on the dark web. One major study found more than 6.7 billion unique username and password combinations for sale. If even one of your employees is using a recycled or weak password, your business could be at risk.
That’s where the FIDO Alliance (Fast Identity Online) comes in. This global organisation is leading the charge on secure, passwordless login standards. All the major tech companies are now part of the FIDO Alliance and have signed what’s known as the Passkey Pledge – a shared commitment to bringing passkeys into the mainstream.
Are passkeys better than passwords?
In short, yes. Passkeys improve on traditional passwords in almost every way.
First, they are much harder to steal. Because the login credentials never leave your device and are never shared with the website, they cannot be intercepted or reused by attackers.
They are also immune to phishing attacks. Even if a hacker tricks you into visiting a fake website, your device will not provide the passkey because it recognises the site is not legitimate. With passwords, it’s easy to be fooled. With passkeys, that risk is dramatically reduced.
And they are more convenient. Passkeys remove the need to remember or manage complex strings of letters and numbers. Logging in becomes faster and easier, often just a quick scan of your face or fingerprint.
Even when passwords are combined with two factor authentication, passkeys still offer a more secure and streamlined experience. They cannot be guessed, forgotten or phished.
How do passkeys work?
Passkeys use a secure technology called public key cryptography. When you create a passkey for a website or app, your device generates two cryptographic keys:
- One public key is saved by the website
- One private key stays on your device and is never shared
When you log in, your device proves to the website that it has the private key, without ever actually sending it. This makes it almost impossible for an attacker to steal your login information, even if the website is compromised.
Passkeys are supported by modern operating systems and browsers and are often stored securely in a platform like iCloud Keychain, Windows Hello or a password manager that supports passkeys.
Want to see a video on how this works? Check out this video from Google, which explains passkeys in an easy to understand way:
Do I still need 2FA or MFA with passkeys?
While passkeys are more secure than passwords (even with 2FA), they can still work with MFA systems if needed.
In most cases, using a passkey is considered strong enough authentication on its own, because it requires:
- Something you have (your device)
- Something you are or know (biometric or PIN)
That makes it equivalent to two-factor authentication by default, without requiring you to juggle one-time codes or SMS messages. But some systems may still allow or require layered security depending on the risk level.
How can I start using passkeys?
If you’ve bought a smartphone or laptop in the past few years, you’re likely ready to use passkeys right now. Apple, Google and Microsoft all support passkey storage and syncing across devices, making it easy to get started.
You can begin by enabling passkeys on sites that already support them, such as:
- Amazon
- GitHub
- Uber
- Kayak
You’ll also need a password manager or authentication system that supports passkeys. Many popular options like Dashlane and 1Password now support passkey storage, so you can use them across platforms and devices.
The setup is simple. Visit a site that supports passkeys, choose the option to create one, and your device will walk you through the rest, usually just requiring a fingerprint or Face ID scan to confirm.
What’s next for your business?
While passkeys are still gaining adoption, they are quickly becoming the new standard. Forward thinking businesses are already looking at ways to implement them for staff and customers.
Here are a few ways your business can prepare:
- Review your current authentication systems. Are your tools and platforms ready for passkeys?
- Start testing passkeys internally. Begin with a small team to see how the process works and what adjustments may be needed.
- Invest in secure identity management tools. If you’re using a password manager, check if it supports passkeys.
- Work with an IT partner. Coretek can help you assess your current security setup and create a plan to move toward passkey adoption.
Are passwords going away for good?
Passwords have served us for decades, but they have become a weak link in today’s digital world.
Passkeys offer a better experience for users and stronger protection for businesses. As more websites adopt the technology and users grow used to logging in without a password, we will see the balance shift.
Passkeys are not just a convenience – they represent a major step forward in cyber security.
Want to know if your business is ready for passkeys?
Contact our team and we’ll help you take the next step in making your logins faster, easier and more secure.