The End of Passwords is Near! Embrace Passkeys: A Simpler, Safer Way to Log In
- May 6
- 3 min read
As many of you know, I'm always talking about cybersecurity and how to protect your valuable information. I've been discussing a new technology in my presentations recently, and I wanted to share some details in a way that everyone can understand: passkeys.
Cybercriminals know the password era is ending, so they're ramping up attacks on accounts that still rely on them. We saw a staggering 7,000 password attacks per second last year. That's why I'm pushing for stronger authentication methods
What is a Passkey?
Think of a passkey as a super-secure, super-convenient replacement for your traditional password. Instead of typing in a password, you use something you already have and are familiar with: your fingerprint, facial recognition, or even the PIN on your phone or computer. This is combined with a special digital key that's stored securely on your device. Together, these elements confirm it's really you trying to access your account.
Essentially, a passkey is a more advanced form of multi-factor authentication that uses public key cryptography in combination with biometrics or a device PIN to verify your identity.
Passkeys are Becoming Widespread
Major tech companies like Microsoft, Google, and Apple are already integrating passkeys into their products. This means you can use them on your Windows computers, iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Android devices. Passkeys can also be added to your existing security systems.
Why are Passkeys a Big Deal?
Here's why I'm so excited about passkeys:
They're Easier: No more struggling to remember complex passwords or constantly resetting them.
They're More Secure: Passkeys are unique to each person and device, making them incredibly difficult for hackers to steal or guess.
They Protect Against Phishing: Because passkeys are tied to your device, they're much less vulnerable to phishing scams, where criminals try to trick you into giving away your password.
Reduced Risk of Account Takeover: Even if a hacker somehow gets hold of your passkey, they still need your physical device to use it. This significantly reduces the risk of someone taking over your account.
Compliance Friendly: Passkeys help organizations meet security standards and compliance requirements in industries like finance and healthcare.
How Passkeys Work
Prior to passkeys, multi-factor authentication was often used with a password. Passkeys allow you to securely sign in to online accounts without a password or additional authentication.
Benefits of Passkeys
Physical Possession Requirement: Because passkeys are unique to each user and device, it’s nearly impossible for hackers to guess or steal them.
Enhanced protection against phishing attacks: Passkeys are resistant to phishing attacks because they rely on physical possession of a device rather than passwords.
Reduced risk of account takeover: Passkeys have a reduced risk of account takeover when compared with traditional password-based authentication methods.
Compliance with security standards: Passkeys often meet or exceed security standards and compliance requirements in regulated industries.
Recovery security: Passkeys can be securely synced across your devices. If you lose a device that has your passkey synced to it, you can use another device to recover access to your accounts.
Transitioning to Passkeys: Things to Know
If your organization is considering moving to passkeys, here's a simplified overview of the process:
Assessment and Planning: Figure out your current password security and what you need from passkeys.
Choose a Passkey Solution: Find a passkey system that fits your needs and works with your existing technology.
Create Passkey Policies: Set clear rules for how passkeys should be used and protected within your organization.
Implement and Integrate: Roll out the passkey system and make sure it works smoothly with your other security measures.
Training and Awareness: Teach your employees how to use passkeys safely and effectively.
Tips for Using Passkeys Effectively
Make Passkey Creation Easy: Ensure employees can easily generate and start using passkeys.
Ensure Discoverability: Clearly indicate the original source of each passkey.
Use Passkeys on Multiple Devices: This creates redundancy and avoids manual resets.
Prompt Passkey Creation: If an employee signs in using a fallback method like a password, consider prompting them to create a new passkey.
The Future is Passwordless
The beauty of passkeys is that they're both easier to use and more secure than passwords. It's a rare combination! As passkeys become more common, I highly recommend giving them a try. You'll be surprised at how much simpler and safer your online life can be.
Comments