The conversation around authentication has been evolving rapidly, and passkeys are at the forefront of this change. But the real question remains—are passkeys truly different from passwords, or are they just a more streamlined version of the same security model?
What Are Passkeys?
Passkeys are designed to replace passwords using cryptographic key pairs instead of traditional text-based credentials. These keys are generated and stored securely on a device, making authentication seamless and more resistant to phishing attacks. When implemented correctly, passkeys offer improved security by eliminating the need for users to remember or manually enter passwords.
More of the Same or a True Shift?
At a high level, passkeys solve many of the same problems that password managers attempt to address—storing credentials, autofilling them securely, and reducing reliance on weak or reused passwords. However, the fundamental shift with passkeys is in eliminating shared secrets. Instead of storing passwords that can be phished or leaked in a data breach, passkeys rely on public-private key cryptography, where the private key never leaves the user’s device.
That said, passkeys alone do not eliminate the risk of device compromise or unauthorized access. They work well within ecosystems like Apple, Google, and Microsoft, but interoperability and cross-device usability remain areas that need further refinement.
The Future of Authentication
While passkeys represent an important step forward, are they truly enough to replace passwords entirely? What about the need for authentication solutions that work seamlessly across all devices and platforms without relying on a specific ecosystem?
As we shift towards a passwordless future, should we be looking at solutions beyond device-bound authentication? Are passkeys the answer, or do we still need alternative approaches to bridge the gaps?
What do you think? Are we on the right path, or is there still more work to do? Let’s discuss!