If you’re not currently using a password manager and/or some type of multifactor authentication, you’re asking for trouble with cybersecurity. However, companies like Google are working towards a passwordless future – replacing passwords with passkeys.
Although it’s still in the beta stages, Google is finally ready to bring passkeys to our devices. According to a statement by Google, “Passkeys are a significantly safer replacement for passwords and other phishable authentication factors. They cannot be reused, don’t leak in server breaches, and protect users from phishing attacks.”
Let’s discuss exactly what passkeys are and how they will work for you.
What are passkeys?
A passkey is a digital credential that is tied to a user account and a website or an application. Passkeys allow users to authenticate their account without being forced to enter their username, or password, or even provide any additional authentication (see multifactor authentication).
Basically, passkeys are a safer, easier replacement for passwords. Users will use these passkeys to sign in to applications and websites using a biometric sensor like fingerprint or facial recognition, which is already available on many of our devices. You’ll also sometimes have the option to use a PIN or pattern, freeing you up from having to remember and manage a multitude of passwords and authentication features.
In a single step, a passkey can replace a password AND a second-factor authenticator. This will make the user experience as simple as autofilling a password form – just the click of a button.
On top of convenience, passkeys also provide robust protection against phishing attacks, unlike SMS or app-based one-time passwords. In fact, since passkeys are standardized, a single implementation of a passkey in place of a password can enable a password-free experience across multiple browsers and operating systems, contingent on the fact that you’re logging into the same accounts.
How will passkeys work?
Similar to how saved passwords work today, your browser or operating system will help you find and select the correct passkey depending on which website or application you’re trying to access. In order to ensure the rightful owner can sign in using their passkey, the authentication system (passkey) will ask you to unlock your device – which can be performed via biometric sensor, PIN, or pattern.
In order to create a passkey for a website or application, you’ll be directed to register with that website or app. Once you return to the website or app to sign in, you’ll be able to take the following steps:
- Go to the application or website.
- Select Sign in.
- Select your passkey.
- Use the device screen unlock to complete the login.
Your device will generate a signature based on the passkey, which is used to verify the login credential between the origin and the passkey. That means regardless of where your passkey is stored, you’ll be able to sign in to services on any device. For example, a passkey created for a website on a smartphone can be used to sign in to the same website on a desktop computer, tablet, or any other device.
Most importantly, passkeys can be used without any type of synchronization from your smartphone to your laptop or any other device you’re logging on to.
Since passkeys are built into FIDO standards, all browsers will be able to adopt them.
To put it simply, here’s how it works:
A user visits site.example on their work desktop computer. This user has previously signed into site.example on their Android smartphone and generated a passkey. On the desktop computer, the user will choose to sign in with a passkey from another device. Then the two devices will connect and the user will be prompted to approve the use of their passkey on their Android smartphone via fingerprint scanner. Once the fingerprint scanner automatically pops up on their smartphone, the user scans their fingerprint and is automatically logged on to the website on their work desktop.
Are you excited about replacing passwords with passkeys? While developers were able to start using these features beginning on October 12, passkeys should be available to more users “later this year,” according to Google.
Cybersecurity Services
Are you worried about keeping your passwords and data safe? If this information seems too much to process, contact Computer Service Now for a free security audit today.
Our network security options offer you an easy and hassle-free option to keep your network safe from cybersecurity attacks. We can help alleviate any concerns you have regarding cybersecurity, help you sign up with password managers or multifactor authentication, data backups, secure your Wi-Fi networks, enable dark web monitoring, and even educate your employees on the best practices.
At Computer Service Now, we strive for exemplary customer satisfaction – which is why we will always work with our customers until they are completely satisfied with the work completed. If you’re looking to bolster your security, we offer a wide variety of IT solutions that stay within your budget.
With over 35 years of experience providing on-site IT services to businesses around the southwest Ohio region, we are sure we can find a solution that works for your organization. Our network security packages offer you an easy and hassle-free solution to keeping your network safe from data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other cybersecurity concerns.
With a free consultation available, we will work with any existing IT staff to help them come up with better solutions to existing problems, manage any security vulnerabilities, and provide assistance with any other computer or network issues your organization is struggling with. Due to our advanced level of technicians, we are confident we will find a solution that works for you and your budget.
Contact us today at 513-422-1907 or visit our website to learn more about our variety of services that allow us to provide the support you need to keep your business running smoothly.
