Passwords have been the primary means of securing our digital lives for decades. However, with the rise of new technologies, such as Face ID and Passkeys, it’s time to re-evaluate the effectiveness of passwords.
Passkeys are a new type of authentication method that is gaining popularity. Unlike passwords, which are a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols that you need to remember, passkeys make it simpler and more secure to sign in by allowing you to create online accounts you can log into without entering a password. All you need is a trusted device to act as your authenticator, which could be your iPhone, iPad, or Macintosh. When you go to sign in to an account, your device will prompt you to authenticate using Touch ID or Face ID for maximum protection.
One of the main differences between passkeys and passwords is the way they are stored. Passwords are typically stored on a server or device, which makes them vulnerable to hacking, unless you are using an app like 1Password. Passkeys, on the other hand, are stored locally on your device, making them much harder to steal.
Another difference is the way they are generated. Passwords are often generated randomly, which can make them difficult to remember. By contrast, passkeys are a form of passwordless authentication that use public key cryptography. That means each passkey is actually a pair of keys – a public key and private key – that are mathematically linked to one another. Your public key is meant to be shared, and is stored by 1Password app when you create a new account. But your private key never leaves your device — it’s a true secret.
Passwordless technology is positioned to change our lives. If we can get rid of passwords, we can also get rid of the many frustrations that come with them, from resets and phishing to failed logins and wasted time.
Passkeys also offer better protection against phishing attacks. Since passkeys are unique to each user, they cannot be easily replicated by hackers. This makes it much harder for hackers to gain access to a user’s account.
While passkeys are not fully available and in the main stream, it is time to start thinking about them. Passkeys offer a more secure and user-friendly alternative to traditional passwords. They are easier to remember, harder to steal, and offer better protection against phishing attacks. As technology continues to evolve, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest authentication methods to keep our digital lives secure as well as less complicated.
