Digital passwords haveexisted since the 1960s, and we havent come up with a better option…until now.
These tools are popularly known as passkeys, and they are already starting to take off.
Are passkeys really that much safer?
What happens if I lose my passkey?
How passkeys work in theory
Passkeys are built on public web authentication standards.
Instead of creating a password, you create a cryptographically generated passkey thats stored on your unit.
This key is unique, private, and strong.
you might create generate a passkey for all your devices individually.
Google also supports this feature forGoogle Accounts.
A login form will show a QR code.
Scan it and authenticate using your smartphone, and youre in!
And once the QR code is scanned, it becomes invalid.
To start, go toGoogles Passkeys setup page.
enter, then chooseCreate a passkey.
ClickContinueon the popup to create a passkey for the unit youre using (say, your iPhone).
Now, choose your account, then hitContinue.
Speaking of Apple, they have a different passkey approach.
Youll need an Apple equipment running iOS 16 or macOS Ventura or newer, and to be usingiCloud Keychain.
If youre using Chrome, youll need to create a new passkey from your Google Account.
Currently, Firefox doesnt support passkeys.
By way of example, heres how the process works in Google.
When you go to the login page, youll be asked to use passkeys instead of other methods.
Now, the OS level prompt for authentication will show up.
For me, thats logging into my MacBook Air on Safari via a Touch ID authentication.
Once you authenticate, youll be logged in.
Thats ita two-step process thats secure and easy to use.
gear authentication is not an issue if youre using Face ID and services like iCloud Keychain.
