It’s difficult to use passwords safely; having to create and keep track of different passwords for every website you use can be an overwhelming task.
Even with the help of a password manager, you must remember the login information to the password manager, meaning it’s not foolproof.
Passwords are susceptible to phishing and brute force attacks, and they’re an outdated form of security.
The modern solution? Passkeys.
What is a Passkey?
Instead of a traditional username and password to authenticate a user logging into a website, computer, or application, a passkey uses a biometric. Unique identifiers, such as a user’s face or fingerprint, or a PIN, are used to verify the user securely and offer a passwordless login experience.
How Does a Passkey Work?
Passkeys are a much more secure alternative to passwords that allow users to use unique identifiers to log in.
To use a password, a user must enter the correct combination of characters. The website or device then checks what is on file to grant access. This means there is no way to know with certainty whether the person using that password is you or not.
A passkey works similarly, but there is a key difference that makes it more secure. When making a passkey, there are two parts created: a public key sent to your website or device and a private key that is solely stored on your device.
When you try to sign in to a website, the site sends a challenge only your private key can respond to. Then, you unlock the private key with your face, fingerprint, or PIN and sign the challenge.
It’s like the website says, “Hey, do the secret handshake if you’re really who you say you are.” Your device knows the handshake, but it won’t do it unless you give permission with your face, fingerprint, or PIN. Once it does, the website knows it’s really you without ever seeing your face or your key.
This proves an authorized user is present since there is no one else that could unlock the private key. This means your login is not susceptible to brute force attacks or phishing.
Additionally, the key is stored on your device, so a hacker 1000 miles away can’t log in to your accounts; only you can, with your physical device.
Unlike a password, a passkey cannot be reused across sites, is not susceptible to phishing, and won’t be forgotten.
How to Set Up a Microsoft Passkey
Microsoft makes using a passkey simple and efficient.
To set it up:
- Sign in to your Microsoft account and go to Security Info using the navigation menu on the left-hand side.
- Click the plus (+) sign to add a new sign-in method.
- Select Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator.
- Follow the steps on your device. You’ll be asked to set it up using your fingerprint, face, or PIN.
To use your passkey to sign in:
- On the sign-in screen, click Sign-in options.
- Choose the method you want to use: Face, Fingerprint, PIN, or Security Key.
- Pick your saved passkey from the list.
- Your device will open a secure window where you can use your selected method to finish logging in. No password needed.
Worried about making the switch? If necessary, logging in with a password is still an option. You can also delete passkeys if you lose your device or no longer use it.
Removing a Microsoft passkey:
- Sign in to your Microsoft account and go to the Security Info page.
- From the list of sign-in methods, click Delete to remove the passkey.
Passkeys vs. Passwords: What’s Next
Data breaches are more common than ever before, meaning your data can be accessed rather easily. Replacing your passwords with a passkey will protect you from data breaches, phishing, password sharing, and forgetting your password.
It solves an age-old problem, and it’s best to acclimate now as they are becoming widely supported. For example, Microsoft is eliminating passwords from its Authenticator app and fully adopting the use of passkeys.
Passkeys’ numerous benefits and safety features make them perfect for businesses that are investing in their cybersecurity. Need help setting up passkeys across your business? Let our cybersecurity experts do the heavy lifting for you.
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