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Passkeys – What they are and how to use them –

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Passkeys are a modern, passwordless sign-in method that replaces traditional passwords with cryptographic key pairs, offering much stronger security and easier use by relying on your device’s biometrics (fingerprint, face) or PIN instead of memorized secrets, making them phishing-resistant and eliminating password theft risks. They work by generating a unique public/private key pair for each site, storing the private key securely on your device (often synced across your cloud) and the public key on the server, meaning attackers can’t get your private key from a breach. 

Key Benefits

  • Phishing Resistant: Cannot be tricked by fake login pages because the private key only works with the legitimate site.
  • No Passwords to Remember: Sign in with biometrics or device PIN.
  • Stronger Security: Based on public-key cryptography, making them inherently strong and breach-proof.
  • Syncs Across Devices: Can sync via iCloud (Apple), Google Password Manager (Android/Chrome), or password managers like 1Password, keeping them available everywhere.
  • Simpler & Faster: Quicker than typing passwords, even faster than 2FA codes. 

Types of Passkeys

  • Synced (Cloud-Based): Stored in your cloud (Apple Keychain, Google Password Manager) and sync across devices.
  • Device-Bound (Hardware): Stored on a physical security key (like a Yubikey) or device’s secure enclave and never leave that hardware.