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Passwords have long been the go-to method of authentication, but they are also one of the weakest. They are easily guessed or stolen, and many individuals use the same password across multiple accounts, making them vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
The burden of remembering numerous passwords leads to habits that make it easier for criminals to breach security, such as creating weak passwords and storing them in non-secure ways. Shockingly, 61% of all data breaches involve stolen or hacked login credentials.
Fortunately, a better solution has emerged in recent years: passkeys. Passkeys offer enhanced security compared to passwords and provide a more convenient way of logging into accounts.
Passkeys operate by generating a unique code for each login attempt, which is then validated by the server. These codes are created using a combination of user information and the device being used to log in. Think of passkeys as digital credentials that eliminate the need for usernames and passwords.
This authentication technology leverages Web Authentication (WebAuthn), a core component of FIDO2—an authentication protocol that replaces unique passwords with public-key cryptography for user verification. The user's device, whether it be a computer, mobile device, or security key device, stores the authentication key and enables seamless login on passkey-enabled sites.
One of the significant advantages of passkeys is their superior security compared to passwords. Passkeys, particularly those generated from a combination of biometric and device data, are more difficult to hack. Biometric data can include facial recognition or fingerprint scans, while device information encompasses elements like MAC address or location. These additional layers of authentication make it significantly harder for hackers to gain unauthorized access to accounts.
Passkeys also offer enhanced convenience over passwords. With traditional password authentication, users often struggle to remember multiple complex passwords, leading to significant time consumption and difficulty. Password resets can be frequent, slowing down employees and taking an average of three minutes and 46 seconds each time.
Passkeys eliminate these issues by providing a single code that can be used across all accounts, simplifying the login process and reducing the likelihood of forgetting or misplacing passwords.
Credential phishing scams are a prevalent threat. Scammers send emails indicating issues with user accounts, luring them to click on a link that redirects them to a disguised login page designed to steal their username and password. However, passkey authentication renders these attacks ineffective. Even if hackers obtain a user's password, they would still require the device's passkey authentication to breach the account.
Passkeys are undoubtedly the future of authentication technology, but there are some challenges to consider during their current adoption.
One significant disadvantage is the limited adoption of passkeys. Many websites and cloud services still rely on passwords and do not yet have passkey capabilities. As a result, users may need to continue using passwords for certain accounts until passkeys become more widely adopted. This may cause some awkwardness, as passkeys are used for some accounts while passwords are used for others.
Unlike passwords, which are free and easy to use, passkeys require additional hardware and software to generate and validate the codes. The initial implementation cost for businesses can be significant. However, the improved security and user experience offered by passkeys may offset these expenses and result in long-term savings.
Passkeys provide a more secure and convenient alternative to passwords, making them harder to hack and offering a streamlined login experience. However, passkeys have not yet been widely adopted, and businesses may need to allocate resources for implementation.
Despite these challenges, passkeys represent a promising solution to address the weaknesses of traditional passwords. They have the potential to enhance cybersecurity and boost productivity for businesses and individuals alike.
Embrace the new era of passkey authentication by exploring its benefits today. Now is the perfect time to begin implementing passkeys within your organization and enhance your security measures.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a more secure future.
