We’ve all been there, typing passwords we can barely remember, struggling to reset them, or worrying about their security. Passwords are the foundation of many of our digital lives, but they come with a lot of risks. Enter passkeys, a new way of logging in that promises to make passwords a thing of the past.

Let’s break down what passkeys are, how they work, and why they might just be better than the passwords we use every day.

What is a Passkey?

A passkey is a new way to log into websites or apps without typing a password. Instead of remembering a long string of characters, passkeys use a pair of keys:

• A private key, which is stored securely on your device (like your phone or computer).

• A public key, which is stored on the website or app you’re logging into.

When you want to sign in, your device proves it has the private key (without actually sending it to the website). No password to type, no password to steal, and no password to phish.

For more on how passkeys work with public key cryptography, visit WebAuthn - Mozilla Developer Network and FIDO Alliance.

How Do Passkeys Work?

Let’s simplify how passkeys work in two steps:

1) You create a passkey

When you sign up or log in to a site (say your email), your device creates a unique passkey for that site. The website stores the public key, and your device keeps the private key. Think of it as creating a secret handshake between your device and the website.

2) You sign in

Next time you want to log in:

• The website sends a “challenge” to your device.

• Your device uses the private key to sign the challenge.

• The website checks the signature with the public key it already has.

To unlock the private key, your device asks for something you can easily do, like Face ID, Touch ID, or a PIN. Your biometric data (like your face or fingerprint) never leaves your device—it just unlocks the private key.

For more on how passkeys work under the hood, check out Apple’s explanation on passkeys and Google’s support page for Passkeys.

Passkeys vs. Passwords: What’s the Difference?

Passwords: The Old Way

Passwords are shared secrets—something you and the website both know. But there are problems:

• Phishing: You might type your password into a fake site.

• Reusing passwords: People often use the same password across multiple sites, making them an easy target for hackers.

• Data breaches: If a website’s database is hacked, attackers can get your password.

• Human behavior: People pick easy-to-guess passwords or reuse them, which makes it easier for hackers to guess.

Passkeys: The New Way

• No shared secrets: Passkeys are unique to each website. There’s nothing to steal or share.

• No password to remember or type: The passkey is stored securely on your device, making it harder to phish or reuse.

• Stronger security: Even if a website is breached, attackers only get the public key—not the private key—so they can’t log in as you.

For more on the risks of passwords, visit Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) on Password Security and Verizon’s 2021 Data Breach Investigations Report.

Why Are Passkeys Better Than Passwords?

1. Better protection against phishing
   Passkeys won’t let you log into a fake website, even if the site tries to trick you. With passwords, you might not realize the website is fake.

2. No more password reuse
   Each passkey is unique to one website, so even if one account is compromised, hackers can’t use it to break into your other accounts.

3. Safer if websites are breached
   If a website is hacked, attackers only get the public key, which can’t be used to log in. Password databases, on the other hand, are valuable targets for hackers because passwords can be cracked or reused.

4. Simpler and easier to use
   With passkeys, you don’t have to remember, type, or reset passwords. You simply unlock your device with your fingerprint or face, and you’re in.

The Honest Truth: Passkeys Aren’t Perfect

While passkeys are a big improvement, they’re not foolproof. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. If your device is compromised, passkeys can’t protect you
   Passkeys protect your login, but they can’t stop malware or other attacks that target your device.

2. Account recovery can be tricky
   If you lose your device or need to recover your account, how easy it is to regain access depends on the service. If they use weak recovery methods, like SMS, attackers could still get in.

3. Syncing passkeys introduces new risks
   If your passkeys are synced across devices (like in iCloud or Google’s cloud), a hacker who compromises your cloud account could gain access to your passkeys. So, securing your cloud account is crucial.

4. Not all sites support passkeys
   Some older apps and websites still rely on passwords, so you may run into trouble if you try to use passkeys everywhere just yet.

For a deeper dive into security risks, check out CISA’s multi-factor authentication guidance.

Are Passkeys Better Than Passwords?

For most people, yes—passkeys offer a safer, simpler way to log in, especially for common services like email and social media. But they're not a silver bullet.

Passkeys remove most of the problems with passwords (phishing, password reuse, database breaches), but they don’t cover everything. They work best when combined with other security measures.

What You Can Do Right Now

For Individuals:

1. Enable passkeys wherever you can (email, password manager, banking apps, etc.).

2. Lock down your device accounts (Apple ID, Google Account, etc.) with strong multi-factor authentication (MFA).

3. Use a backup sign-in method that’s also secure—avoid relying on SMS for recovery.

For Businesses:

1. Start using passkeys for your employees, especially for admins, IT staff, and anyone who accesses sensitive data.

2. Use stronger MFA for accounts that don’t yet support passkeys.

3. Have a plan for account recovery that doesn’t rely on weak methods like SMS.

4. Educate your team about passkeys and how they work.

FAQ

“Are passkeys the same as Face ID or Touch ID?”
No. Face ID and Touch ID are just ways to unlock the private key stored on your device. The passkey itself is a cryptographic key that helps you sign in securely.

“What happens if a website is hacked? Can they steal my passkey?”
No, the attackers would only get the public key, which can’t be used to log in. Your private key stays secure on your device.

“What if I lose my phone?”
If your passkeys are synced to your cloud account, you can recover them on a new device. But you’ll need to make sure your account recovery methods are secure.

“Do passkeys replace multi-factor authentication (MFA)?”
In many cases, yes—passkeys are already a type of MFA because they require something you have (your device) and something you can do (biometrics). But for high-risk accounts, additional steps may still be needed.

Bottom Line

Passwords are becoming outdated. Passkeys offer a much safer, simpler way to log in—and they’re harder to steal or misuse. While they’re not perfect, they’re a big step forward in securing your digital life. Start using passkeys wherever you can, and make sure you have strong recovery options in place to keep your accounts safe.