Passwords remain one of the weakest links in online security, especially when reused or easily guessed. Concerningly, 88 percent of web application attacks involved stolen credentials. To help reduce that risk, many platforms are turning to passkeys. This newer approach offers a safer and easier way to sign in, avoiding many of the problems associated with passwords entirely.
What Is a Passkey?
A passkey is a secure method for signing in to websites and apps without requiring a password. Instead of remembering login details, you confirm your identity using a method already built into your device, such as a fingerprint, face scan, PIN, or screen pattern. This approach helps reduce the risks tied to weak or reused passwords, along with human error.
What makes passkeys unique is how they protect your information. Each one is based on cryptographic credentials, combining a public key stored by the service and a private key that stays on your device. This setup, often referred to as a device-bound passkey, enables you to log in securely without ever sharing the private key itself.
Passkeys are built on FIDO standards and are designed to work across platforms. They can be stored in identity wallets, such as iCloud Keychain or Google Password Manager, or on hardware tokens like a YubiKey or Titan Security Key. Some systems also support synced passkeys, which allow you to access your accounts from multiple trusted devices without needing to start from scratch.
How Passkeys Work
Passkeys are simple to use, but they rely on strong security technology behind the scenes. When you log in, your device solves a one-time challenge from the app or website using a private key stored on your device. That key never leaves your device, which helps block phishing attacks and keeps your information secure.
The sign-in process uses methods most people are already familiar with:
- Face recognition
- Fingerprint scan
- A screen lock or PIN
Passkeys are stored in identity wallets, such as iCloud Keychain or Google Password Manager. These wallets protect your cryptographic keys and enable you to sign in on other devices without having to set everything up again. That is especially useful in consumer use cases like switching between your phone, tablet, or laptop.
Passkeys are also being used in more advanced areas. They support online payment scenarios and are starting to appear in automotive systems for secure access. Their design patterns and design guidelines focus on keeping sign-ins simple, fast, and consistent across devices and services.
Why Passkeys Are Safer and Simpler
Passkeys help keep your accounts safer because there is no password to steal or guess. The private key stays on your device, so it cannot be exposed in a data breach. And since you are not typing anything in, phishing scams no longer work. Furthermore, fake websites cannot trick your device into sharing the private key, which makes passkeys a strong defense against online threats.
They are also easier to use. You do not have to remember anything, write passwords down, or rely on a password manager. You simply unlock your device the way you already do, using a fingerprint, face scan, or screen PIN. This makes signing in faster and more consistent, even across different devices. With support from major platforms, passkeys make passwordless authentication simple for everyday use.
Major Tech Leaders Are Shifting Away from Passwords
Some of the biggest names in tech are transitioning to passkeys. Apple, Google, and Microsoft now support passkeys across their devices and platforms. That means users can sign in with a fingerprint, face scan, or PIN instead of entering a password.
Other major services are joining in. Dropbox, GitHub, and PayPal all support passkey logins. As more companies adopt the technology, users are seeing faster and safer ways to access their accounts.
This shift is backed by the FIDO Alliance, a group that works to replace passwords with stronger authentication tools. Their standards rely on secure methods, such as FIDO credentials and biometric checks. These approaches meet guidelines from trusted organizations, including NIST’s SP 800-63B.
Most major browsers and operating systems now allow multi-device FIDO credentials. These credentials can sync through tools like identity wallets, making it easier to sign in across devices. With more service providers getting on board, the adoption of passkeys is picking up speed.
How to Set Up Passkeys on Your Devices
If you’re using a modern phone or computer, you may already be ready for passkeys. Devices running iOS 16, Android 9 and up, or Windows 11 all include passkey support. Newer versions of Windows 10 can also support it, especially when paired with Windows Hello, though Windows 10 end-of-life is just around the corner.
You can try passkeys by signing into a supported service like Dropbox, PayPal, or GitHub. During login, the site will prompt you to create a passkey. Once it’s set up, you’ll be able to sign in with face recognition, a fingerprint, or a screen PIN.
For better management and sync between devices, many people use a password manager or authenticator. These tools can help:
- Microsoft Authenticator
- Google Password Manager
- Apple’s iCloud Keychain
- Dashlane app and browser extension
These tools act as an identity wallet and follow design guidelines that safeguard your cryptographic keys behind a secure lock screen.
If you’re not sure where to start, platforms like Passkey Central list apps and services that already support passkeys. Try enabling it with something you use often to get familiar with how it works.
Cross-Device Sync, Security Risks, and What’s Being Done
Passkeys improve security, but there are still a few concerns to keep in mind. One of the biggest is device loss. Many passkeys are stored as device-bound credentials, meaning the private key stays on your phone or computer. If that device is lost or damaged, it can be harder to regain access to your accounts. This risk is particularly significant in online payment scenarios or services that lack clear recovery steps.
To help with this, many platforms now support multi-device passkeys. These are stored in identity wallets that use FIDO cross-device authentication (CDA). This setup lets you sync your credentials across trusted devices, such as a laptop and a phone. Even if one is lost, you can still sign in using another. These wallets follow strict design guidelines and are protected by biometrics or a screen PIN to prevent unauthorized access.
Cross-platform passkey providers are also working to improve compatibility. Whether you are using Apple, Google, or Microsoft devices, synced passkeys make it easier to move between systems. The FIDO Alliance continues to improve these standards to reduce friction and address known vulnerabilities. While limited adoption is still a challenge, more service providers are offering support for secure recovery and better cross-device access.
Are Passkeys Worth It?
Passkeys are safer, easier to use, and more secure than traditional passwords. They protect against phishing, work across devices, and remove the need to remember or manage login details. While some challenges remain, such as limited adoption and account recovery after device loss, progress is being made. With strong support from major tech providers, passkeys are a smart next step for anyone looking to improve both security and convenience.
