We’ve all been there: that moment of dread when you realize you’ve forgotten yet another password. Or worse, the unsettling feeling after a data breach, wondering if your precious online accounts are safe. The truth is, traditional passwords are a security nightmare – easy to forget, often too simple, and highly vulnerable to phishing and data breaches.
But what if there was a better way? Enter Passkeys, the revolutionary new technology poised to make passwords a thing of the past.
What Are Passkeys?
We’ve all been there: that moment of dread when you realize you’ve forgotten yet another password. Or worse, the unsettling feeling after a data breach, wondering if your precious online accounts are safe. The truth is, traditional passwords are a security nightmare – easy to forget, often too simple, and highly vulnerable to phishing and data breaches.
Here’s why they’re a game-changer:
Phishing Resistant: Passkeys are tied to the specific website or application for which they were created. This means that even if you accidentally click a malicious link, the passkey will simply not work on the fake site, making phishing attacks incredibly difficult.
Stronger Security: Passkeys use public-key cryptography, a highly robust encryption method. This makes them virtually impossible to guess or crack.
Easier to Use: No more remembering complex character combinations! Once set up, you authenticate with a passkey using your device’s built-in security features, like a fingerprint, facial recognition, or a simple PIN. It’s often as quick as unlocking your phone.
No More Data Breaches (for your credentials): Because passkeys aren’t stored on a company’s server like passwords, a data breach at a service provider can’t expose your passkey. The private part of your passkey stays securely on your device.
Imagine logging into your bank account with just a glance at your phone, knowing that even if a sophisticated hacker tried to trick you, they couldn’t get in. That’s the power of passkeys.
How Passkeys Work (in a Nutshell)
When you create a passkey for a website, your device generates two mathematically linked keys: a public key and a private key.
1. Public Key: This key is sent to the website and stored on their server.
2. Private Key: This key stays securely on your device, protected by your biometric data or PIN.
When you try to log in, the website challenges your device. Your device then uses your private key to prove its identity without ever revealing the private key itself. It’s like a digital handshake that’s incredibly secure.
The Role of Password Managers in a Passkey World
While passkeys offer incredible convenience and security, managing them across multiple devices and ensuring seamless access is where robust solutions like Keeper Security and LastPass come into play.
These aren’t just “password managers” anymore; they’re becoming comprehensive credential managers designed for the passwordless future.
Here’s how they help:
Secure Passkey Storage and Synchronisation: Password managers are rapidly integrating support for passkeys. This means they can securely store your passkeys and synchronise them across all your devices, so you can access your accounts no matter which device you’re using.
Cross-Platform Accessibility: Imagine having a passkey on your iPhone, but needing to log in from a Windows PC. A good credential manager can bridge this gap, allowing you to use your passkeys seamlessly across different operating systems and browsers.
If you are curious to look at a credential manager like LastPass or Keeper Security for your clients, to help them securely store and manage business-critical information, reach out to Bluechip Infotech New Zealand, and we would be happy to share more information.