August 24th 2022
By Matthew Phillips
Imagine a future with no passwords.
Nothing to remember. Nothing to be stolen or hacked.
To login to something on your computer, you just unlock your phone.
It’s exciting. And that future is rolling out this autumn.
Passkeys are the hottest security measure, replacing passwords forever.
We first heard about the password successor back in May, and now, we’re hearing that Apple will start rolling out Passkeys in the next few months in iOS 16. And we’re excited!
Even so, it’s caused some confusion. Apple is going to great lengths to market the Passkey, and understandably, people have assumed that it’s a feature exclusive to Apple. That’s not the case. Apple, Microsoft, and Google will be using Passkeys in a joint effort to boost online security. This new feature is being promoted so heavily because Apple wants to spread the word.
The more people take advantage of Passkeys, the safer our businesses are online.
Passkeys, also known as FIDO authentication, let you log into apps and websites with just your username and a pre-authenticated device – most likely your phone. Your device generates a cryptographic token, which makes the second part of a cryptographic key pair. When the pair matches, you’re allowed access to the app or website.
In practice, that means you simply use your phone to prove you are who you say you are. Your face, fingerprints, or PIN will be all you need to unlock it. As long as your phone is within Bluetooth range of your computer, it will work.
And without needing a password…technological bliss!
Accessing apps and keeping your accounts safe from cybercriminals is far more secure with this method. It reduces the risk of your login credentials being stolen since you never see your cryptographic token.
Using phishing emails, brute force attacks, or keyloggers to steal your credentials will no longer be possible. Remote hacking will be less likely since they will need your physical device.
If you use Windows Hello, you’ll see that Passkeys are already supported. And it won’t be long until all three tech giants roll out support across their entire product range.
What are your thoughts on the passkey? Will you be taking advantage of this feature?