How Passkeys Work: A Secure Future Beyond Passwords

In an era where data breaches are an unfortunate daily reality, traditional security methods, particularly usernames and passwords, have long been a target for malicious actors. The constant flow of advice on creating complex passwords or being cautious with social engineering attacks has done little to prevent such breaches. Additional authentication methods, like one-time passwords (OTPs) sent via SMS or email, are often seen as temporary fixes—ineffective in the face of modern cyber threats. However, there’s a new player in the field: passkeys. This innovation promises to revolutionize online security by eliminating the need for passwords altogether.

Summarizing the

The problem with traditional authentication methods, such as usernames and passwords, is that they are vulnerable to theft, whether via phishing, social engineering, or data breaches. Despite efforts to strengthen passwords and add extra layers of security (e.g., SMS-based two-factor authentication), these measures have proven insufficient. As a response, tech giants like Apple, Google, and Microsoft, along with the FIDO Alliance, have developed a new authentication method: passkeys. Unlike passwords, passkeys rely on public key cryptography, ensuring that users never need to share their secrets when accessing services. Instead of submitting a password, users authenticate themselves through cryptographic keys.

Despite the security benefits, the adoption of passkeys has been slow, mainly because widespread support from websites and apps is still lacking. Some platforms, like Kayak, have begun embracing passkeys by default, bypassing traditional credentials altogether. However, for most sites, users are still asked to create usernames and passwords before being given the option to enroll a passkey. This slow adoption highlights the challenges of moving away from a deeply entrenched system.

The process of enrolling in passkeys is straightforward for those using supported platforms. However, for users unfamiliar with the technology, the workflow can be somewhat confusing and fragmented, particularly across different browsers, operating systems, and password managers.

What Undercode Says:

The shift toward passkeys is a significant step toward reducing the risks associated with password-based authentication. By eliminating the need to share a secret (i.e., password), users are less susceptible to phishing or data breaches. Public key cryptography, the foundation of passkeys, ensures that the authentication process remains secure without relying on vulnerable systems like SMS or email.

However, passkeys are not without their hurdles. First, there is the issue of adoption. As the article points out, many websites and services have yet to support passkeys, meaning users can’t fully embrace passwordless security. The companies that have integrated passkeys into their systems, like Apple, Google, and Microsoft, are making great strides, but it will take time for this technology to become ubiquitous.

The usability factor is another concern. While the article details the process of enrolling in passkeys, it’s clear that it’s not as seamless as one might hope. Users still need to go through the traditional username/password setup before they can opt into passkey authentication. Additionally, not all platforms offer a smooth passkey journey, and the user experience can vary depending on the browser or password manager used. This inconsistency might cause some users to dismiss passkeys altogether, especially if the process feels overly complex or confusing.

Despite these challenges, the technology itself is promising, and as the support for passkeys grows, so too will their adoption rate. It’s important for tech companies and web services to prioritize this shift, as it not only increases security but also provides a better user experience in the long run.

Fact Checker Results:

Passkeys use public key cryptography, a reliable and widely accepted method for secure authentication.
Some of the most notable companies (Apple, Google, Microsoft) support passkeys, but adoption by other services remains slow.
Passkey authentication offers enhanced security by removing the need for shared secrets, unlike traditional passwords.

Prediction 📊

As more services integrate passkeys, we expect a gradual shift away from password-based authentication systems. Within the next 5 years, a significant number of major platforms will adopt passkeys as the default login method. However, this transition will likely be slow, with some industries (like finance and e-commerce) leading the way while others lag behind. If the technology becomes more streamlined and user-friendly, adoption could accelerate faster than expected.