How Passkeys Work: The Future of Passwordless Authentication and Its Adoption by Popular Sites

In an era plagued by data breaches and compromised passwords, it’s clear that traditional authentication methods are no longer enough. Over the past few decades, weak usernames and passwords have often been the culprits behind some of the most significant security breaches. Despite the constant advice to create strong passwords and avoid social engineering attacks, these methods remain vulnerable. Additional forms of authentication, such as one-time passwords (OTPs) sent via SMS or email, have also proven to be insecure, as both channels lack end-to-end encryption and are easy targets for hackers.

In response to this growing problem, the tech industry has been exploring alternatives. Enter passkeys, a new form of passwordless credential, designed to eliminate the need for usernames and passwords altogether. This approach leverages public key cryptography, where users never have to share their secret with a website or app, reducing the risk of data interception. However, for passkeys to become mainstream, websites and apps must first adopt this technology. While giants like Apple, Google, and Microsoft have already begun to integrate passkeys into their services, many others have yet to catch up.

Discovering If Your Favorite Websites Support Passkeys

The journey to using passkeys begins with discovering which websites or “relying parties” support this new method of authentication. Much like the traditional process of setting up a username and password, some websites now offer users the option to enroll in a passkey. This is an extra layer of security that aims to reduce the risks associated with stolen or leaked credentials.

For now, most websites still require the creation of a username and password as the primary method for account setup. Passkeys are offered as an optional, more secure alternative. However, forward-thinking websites like Kayak.com have completely bypassed the traditional credential setup and offer passkeys from the outset.

The process of enrolling in a passkey can vary slightly depending on the platform you’re using, but the general flow remains the same. Once you’re logged into a site, you’ll often see an option to create a passkey as an additional authentication method. For example, Shopify offers a “Create a Passkey” button under its security settings, highlighting the future direction of web security.

While this may sound straightforward, the process of registering and using passkeys is not yet seamless. Issues can arise, and the user experience can vary depending on the browser, operating system, or password manager you’re using. But overall, the goal is to streamline authentication without compromising security.

What Undercode Says: The Passkey Revolution is Still in Its Early Stages

As the digital landscape evolves, it’s clear that traditional passwords are a weak link in our security infrastructure. Passkeys, powered by public key cryptography, offer a much more secure and user-friendly alternative. But there’s a catch: for the system to work, both users and websites need to adopt the technology. This presents a chicken-and-egg problem: without widespread support from online platforms, users can’t fully embrace passkey-based login.

Despite this, big tech companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft are pushing the envelope, offering passkey functionality for their own services. However, the reality is that most websites have yet to integrate passkeys, meaning users still have to rely on the traditional (and flawed) username/password system.

The passkey system promises to be a game-changer by eliminating the need for users to remember complex passwords or worry about them being stolen. With biometric authentication like face recognition or fingerprints coming into play, the experience could become as seamless as unlocking your phone. However, this vision of a passwordless future is still far from reality, as most relying parties haven’t made the shift. The question is, how long will it take for the rest of the internet to catch up?

The ultimate goal of passkeys is to reduce human error—no more forgotten passwords, no more password resets, and significantly fewer opportunities for hackers to steal your credentials. But the transition to this model requires time, education, and a concerted effort from all parties involved.

The road to passkey adoption is not without its challenges. One major hurdle is user awareness and willingness to adopt new methods of authentication. While tech enthusiasts may be early adopters, the general public may be more resistant to change. Moreover, the user experience still needs to be polished. For example, Shopify’s passkey setup may confuse some users, particularly those unfamiliar with password managers or multi-factor authentication.

Still, as data breaches continue to rise and cyber threats evolve, the case for passkeys becomes more compelling. Once more websites begin to adopt passkeys, users will likely see a significant improvement in their online security.

🔍 Fact Checker Results

✅ Passkeys are indeed based on public key cryptography, which eliminates the need for sharing passwords.
✅ Passkeys have been implemented by major tech companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft, but adoption by other platforms is still limited.
❌ Passkeys are not yet universally adopted by all websites, meaning users still rely on traditional password systems for many accounts.

📊 Prediction: The Future of Passwordless Authentication

As more organizations realize the limitations and vulnerabilities of current authentication methods, passkeys are likely to become the standard for online security in the next 5 to 10 years. Widespread adoption may be slower than expected, but the shift to passwordless authentication will eventually lead to a safer, more streamlined online experience for users. Tech giants are already pushing the boundaries, and as more platforms join the movement, it will become increasingly difficult for websites to avoid integrating this more secure system.