Passkeys keep you safe
without memorizing passwords
You open a website, realize you’ve forgotten your password, click “Forgot password,” and wait for the reset link to arrive in your inbox. But a new form of security could make this practice – and passwords in general – a thing of the past. Developed by cybersecurity experts, passkeys are nearly impossible to hack.
Passkeys verify your access using offline login information tied to a personal device, such as your smartphone’s unlock code, your Face ID, or fingerprint. Think of it like your passport when you get on a plane. Your face must match the photo on your passport, which must match the information on your ticket.
This is why passkeys are so effective – hackers can’t steal a physical passport through the internet. When you create a new online account, you can add a passkey as a verification method. Your smartphone or other device can provide the “passport” each time you log in without the need to remember complex passwords.
Avoid scams, securely
Passkeys can also help you spot scams. If scammers lure you to click on a fake login link, your device will not recognize the site, and your passkey will not appear. That missing prompt is a clear sign to close the page before entering any information.
You might wonder if someone could trick you into giving them your passkey, such as through a phishing scam. Fortunately, no. Each passkey is tied to your specific device and identity. That means even if a hacker somehow learned your passkey, it would not work for them by itself.
Passkeys are already being adopted by major tech companies including Apple and Google, and they work across many sites. As passkeys become more popular, you may soon log in to most of your accounts with only a passkey instead of a password.
Alternative cyber safety options
Until then, there are still ways to improve your online security. Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of protection by sending a temporary verification code by email, text, or phone call, to another device or app. Even if someone knows your password, with 2FA enabled, they will not gain access without that code.
Password managers are another option. They securely store all your login details and fill them in automatically when you visit a trusted site. Many also require 2FA, combining convenience with additional safety.
While 2FA and password managers help secure your devices now, they will likely eventually be replaced with passkeys. Advancements in cybersecurity like passkeys will help keep your information safe from cyber threats, which also continue to evolve.
For more information on passkeys, click here.
Sources: Consumer Reports, SPECOPS, Okta
