In essence, a passkey is a digital credential that's unique to a specific website or application and is securely stored on your device (like your phone, computer, or a security key). Instead of typing in a password, you authenticate using a biometric method (like fingerprint or face recognition) or a PIN that unlocks your device.
Think of it this way:
- Traditional Password: Like a physical key that you have to remember and can be copied or stolen.
- Passkey: More like your fingerprint or face ID – it's unique to you and your device, and can't be easily phished or reused on another website.
Here are some key benefits of passkeys:
- Stronger Security: Passkeys are resistant to phishing attacks, brute-force attempts, and other common password-related threats because they are cryptographically tied to the website or app and your device.
- Convenience: Logging in becomes much faster and simpler – no more trying to remember complex passwords!
- No More Password Management: You don't need to create, remember, or update multiple passwords.
- Multi-Device Sync (Optional): Some platforms allow you to securely sync your passkeys across your devices, further enhancing convenience.
While passkey adoption is still growing, major platforms like Google, Apple, and Microsoft are embracing them, and more and more websites and apps are starting to support them. It's definitely looking like the future of secure authentication!
Useful information:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lBixL_qpro&t=1s (Ask Leo video)
- https://askleo.com/what-is-a-passkey/ (Ask Leo)
