What Are Passkeys?
Reading time: 6 minutes
Published by: Wikicert
Category: Password Security
Introduction
Passwords have protected online accounts for decades.
Unfortunately, they also remain one of the biggest security weaknesses.
Weak passwords, password reuse, phishing attacks and stolen credentials continue to be responsible for millions of compromised accounts every year.
To solve this problem, the technology industry has started moving towards a new authentication method called passkeys.
Rather than replacing your password with another password, passkeys replace passwords altogether.
What Is a Passkey?
A passkey is a modern way of signing into websites and applications without typing a traditional password.
Instead of remembering a password, your device uses cryptographic keys that prove your identity securely.
When you sign in, you simply approve the login using:
Your fingerprint
Face recognition
Device PIN
Security key
No password needs to be typed.
How Do Passkeys Work?
Passkeys use public-key cryptography.
When you create a passkey:
Your device creates two unique keys.
One key stays securely on your device.
The other (public key) is stored by the website.
When you log in, the website asks your device to prove it owns the private key.
Because the private key never leaves your device, attackers cannot steal it from the website.
Why Are Passkeys More Secure?
Unlike passwords, passkeys cannot be:
Reused across websites
Easily guessed
Stolen through database breaches
Shared accidentally
Even if a website is compromised, attackers only obtain the public key, which cannot be used to access your account.
Passkeys vs Passwords
Traditional Passwords
Must be remembered
Can be reused
Can be stolen
Can be phished
Often weak
Passkeys
No password to remember
Unique for every website
Resistant to phishing
Protected by your device
Easier to use
Are Passkeys Replacing Passwords?
Not completely.
Many websites still rely on passwords today.
However, major technology companies such as Apple, Google and Microsoft are actively supporting passkeys and encouraging developers to adopt them.
Over time, passwords are expected to become less common as passkey adoption grows.
Can Businesses Use Passkeys?
Yes.
Many organisations are beginning to introduce passkeys as part of their authentication strategy.
Benefits include:
Reduced password reset requests
Better phishing protection
Improved user experience
Stronger account security
Businesses can gradually introduce passkeys while still supporting passwords during the transition period.
Recommended by Wikicert
Even as passkeys become more widely adopted, passwords are still required for many online accounts.
A secure password manager remains one of the best ways to manage existing credentials while preparing for newer authentication methods.
After researching several solutions, NordPass is one of the password managers we feel comfortable recommending for both individuals and businesses.
Disclosure: Wikicert may earn a small commission if you purchase through our affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. These commissions help us continue creating free cybersecurity education and resources.
Do Passkeys Mean Password Managers Are Obsolete?
Not at all.
Modern password managers are already evolving to support passkeys.
Many now allow users to store:
Passwords
Passkeys
Secure notes
Payment cards
Identity information
As authentication evolves, password managers continue evolving alongside it.
Final Thoughts
Passkeys represent one of the biggest improvements in online authentication in many years.
By removing traditional passwords from the login process, they significantly reduce the risks associated with phishing, password reuse and stolen credentials.
While passwords won't disappear overnight, understanding passkeys today will help you prepare for the future of online security.
Continue Learning
What Is a Password Manager?
Learn how password managers securely protect your online accounts.
Why Password Reuse Is Dangerous
Discover why using the same password across multiple websites increases your cybersecurity risk.
Password Managers vs Browser Password Saving
Compare browser password storage with dedicated password managers.