Passkeys are the new password and they’re here to stay

A simpler, safer way to sign in without memorizing or managing passwords

 

Passwords have been the standard for online security for decades, but they have always come with problems. They are easy to forget, often reused, and frequently targeted by cybercriminals. As online threats continue to grow, relying on passwords alone is no longer enough.

That is where passkeys come in. Passkeys are quickly becoming the new standard for secure logins, and major platforms and devices are already adopting them. Instead of typing a password, users can sign in with biometrics or a device-based verification method, both of which are more secure and easier to use.

 

What is a passkey?

A passkey is a modern replacement for a password. Instead of creating and remembering a string of characters, your device creates a unique digital key for each website or app.

When a passkey is created, two cryptographic keys are generated. One key is stored securely on your device, and the website or service stores the other. When you log in, your device proves it has the matching key without ever sharing it.

This means there is no password being typed, sent, or stored in a way hackers can easily steal.

 

Related resource:
The importance of cybersecurity for small businesses

 

How passkeys work

From a user perspective, passkeys are designed to feel simple and familiar.

When you sign in:

• You choose your account
• You verify yourself using a fingerprint, facial recognition, or device PIN
• Access is granted instantly

There is nothing to remember and nothing to type. The security happens behind the scenes, using encryption that protects your credentials from phishing, brute-force attacks, and data breaches.

 

Why passkeys are more secure than passwords

Passwords fail because they depend heavily on human behavior. People reuse them, choose weak combinations, or fall for phishing attempts. Passkeys remove these risks by design.

Key advantages include:

• Passkeys cannot be guessed or reused across multiple accounts
• They do not work on fake or malicious websites, which helps stop phishing attacks
• They are not stored in a way that attackers can exploit during a data breach

Even if a company’s systems are compromised, the information attackers obtain cannot be used to log in without the original device and user verification.

 

Learn more:
How to achieve the best cybersecurity for small businesses

 

Why passkeys are easier for users

Security only works if people actually use it. One of the biggest benefits of passkeys is convenience.

With passkeys:

• There are no password resets
• There is no need to manage complex password rules
• Login is faster and more consistent across devices

For businesses, this can reduce support requests related to forgotten passwords while improving overall security posture.

 

What happens if a device is lost?

This is a common concern and an important one. Many platforms support secure passkey syncing or recovery through trusted cloud services or password managers. It allows users to restore access on a new device without starting from scratch.

Recovery options vary by provider, which is why having a clear device and account management strategy is still important.

 

Related resource:
How often should you change your passwords?

 

Are passwords going away completely?

Not yet, but the shift is clearly underway. Apple, Google, Microsoft, and many major websites already support passkeys, and adoption continues to grow. While some older systems still rely on passwords, passkeys are becoming the preferred option for modern, secure authentication.

For most users and organizations, the future will likely include fewer passwords and more passwordless sign-ins.

 

What this means for businesses

Passkeys represent a meaningful step forward in cybersecurity. They reduce risk, improve user experience, and align with where authentication technology is headed.

For businesses evaluating their security strategy, now is the time to understand how passkeys fit into device management, identity protection, and long-term IT planning.

Passkeys are not just a trend. They solve real problems that passwords have struggled with for years. By removing human error from the login process and relying on strong encryption and device-based verification, passkeys offer a safer and more practical way to protect digital accounts.

 

Are you looking for a managed IT partner for your business?

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To learn more about how we can help you improve your cybersecurity and protect your business, please visit our IT Security Packages page.

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