Passkeys offer an exciting new approach to account authentication, aiming to replace traditional passwords with more secure and efficient alternatives.
It's one of my favorite technologies lately and it has huge potential.
Introduction
For instance, when logging into an Amazon or any other account to make a purchase, typically you'd have to input your email and password. But passwords present various problems – they can be easy to forget, vulnerable to hacking, data leaks or you might have shared them with someone whom you no longer trust. All these issues can be both time-consuming and risky.
Solution: Passkeys
Passkeys address these issues by eliminating the need for passwords altogether. Instead, you use your device (like your phone or computer) to authenticate your identity. For instance, if you're using an iPhone, you can use Face ID or your fingerprint. This is not only faster but also more secure as it doesn’t rely on easily forgettable or guessable passwords.
Imagine you have an eBay account. Instead of clicking 'sign in' and entering your email and password, you could simply click 'sign in' and use your fingerprint on your laptop to authenticate yourself. You’re in! It’s that simple.
Moreover, Passkeys store your authentication data uniquely for each website or app, so you don't have to remember a plethora of passwords or worry about reusing them.
Key Takeaways
- No need to remember passwords: Your device handles authentication, so you don’t need to keep track of various passwords.
- Enhanced Security: By using biometrics or other secure means of authentication, your accounts are safer from hacking attempts.
- Convenience: Quickly authenticate yourself using devices that are usually at your fingertips, such as your phone or laptop.
However, there are a couple of cons:
- Emerging Technology: As it’s still an emerging technology, not many websites have integrated Passkeys yet as well as the tech not solving all password issues.
- Sharing Limitations: Since Passkeys are device-specific, sharing access with someone else is not straightforward.
Detailed Steps and How to Use Passkeys
- Ensure the website or app you are using supports Passkeys.
- When signing in, look for an option to sign in with a device, like a phone or computer.
- Choose the device you want to use for authentication.
- If using a phone, you may be presented with a QR code. Scan this code with your phone’s camera.
- Follow the prompts on your device to authenticate using a fingerprint, facial recognition, or another method.
- Once authenticated, you’ll be logged in without the need for entering a traditional password.
Please note, Passkeys are still an emerging technology, so it's essential to keep an eye on developments and understand the limitations in sharing capabilities.
Important URL's
- Apple Passkeys - https://developer.apple.com/passkeys/
- Fido - https://fidoalliance.org/passkeys/
- Google Passkeys - https://developers.google.com/identity/passkeys
- Demo to Try out - https://www.passkeys.io/
Summary
In summary, Passkeys represent an innovative leap towards a passwordless future, making logins more efficient and secure by using your devices for authentication. However, as a relatively new technology, adoption is still growing, and there are limitations when it comes to sharing access. It's a promising step towards better security and convenience in online authentication.
