FROM THE BLOG

If you’ve logged into a website or app recently, you’ve probably noticed something new: prompts asking you to create a passkey.

Whether it’s Microsoft, Google, Apple, Amazon, your bank, or even social media platforms, passkeys seem to be showing up everywhere.

If you’re not entirely sure what a passkey is, you’re not alone.

What Is a Passkey?

A passkey is a newer way to sign in that can replace a traditional password.

Instead of remembering and typing a password, you verify your identity using something you already use every day:

• Your fingerprint
• Face recognition
• The PIN on your phone or computer
• A physical security key

In many cases, signing in becomes as simple as unlocking your device.

Why Is Everyone Talking About Them?

The biggest reason is security.

Passwords have been the primary way we access online accounts for years, but they have some well-known weaknesses:

• People reuse passwords across multiple sites.
• Passwords can be stolen through phishing emails.
• Even strong passwords can be compromised if entered into a fake website.

Passkeys were designed to address many of these risks while also making the sign-in experience easier.

Are Passkeys Safer?

In most cases, yes.

One of the biggest advantages is that passkeys are designed to resist many common phishing attacks because there is no password to type into a website.

For individuals and businesses alike, that’s a significant improvement.

Do I Need to Switch Everything to Passkeys Right Away?

Absolutely not.

In fact, if you’ve never used a passkey before, it’s perfectly reasonable to start small.

Consider enabling a passkey on a personal account first, such as:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Amazon
• A personal Microsoft or Google account

Spend a little time getting comfortable with how the process works. Once you’ve used a passkey a few times, you’ll likely find the experience feels very natural.

Like many technology changes, there’s no requirement to go all-in on day one.

What Happens if I Get a New Phone?

This is one of the most common questions people have, and it highlights why many users are still learning about passkeys.

The good news is that major technology providers continue to improve how passkeys move between devices and how accounts can be recovered when a phone is replaced. The process is becoming easier every year.

As with any security technology, it’s important to understand how recovery options work for the specific service you’re using.

The Bottom Line

Passkeys are becoming more common because they offer a rare combination of better security and greater convenience.

If you’re seeing prompts to create one, don’t feel pressured to adopt them everywhere immediately. Instead, think of it as an opportunity to learn a technology that is likely to become a standard part of online security over the coming years.

Start with an account you’re comfortable experimenting with, see how it works, and build confidence from there.

Technology doesn’t always need to be adopted all at once. Sometimes the best approach is simply taking the first step.

Stay secure,

Marco Galvan
Director of IT