Passkeys vs Passwords – The Future of Secure Login
In the future, we won’t be using passwords. The very thing we’re always telling you to update, strengthen, and change will be a thing of the past sooner than you think.
Why?
Because passkeys exist.
Passkeys aren’t just easier to use – they’re much stronger when it comes to protecting you from hackers, breaches, and every other security threat out there. In this blog, we’ll break down why that matters and why the days of passwords are numbered.
What Is a Passkey?
Passkeys are a cryptography-based way to sign in that’s much more secure than traditional passwords.
(Quick aside: Cryptography is the practice of using codes to protect information and prove identity.)
Instead of creating and remembering a password for every account, passkeys use a pair of digital keys – more on this soon – to authenticate you. Your device unlocks the key using things like a fingerprint or facial recognition, or even a PIN.
Passkeys are extremely resistant to phishing, theft, and social engineering, making online accounts much safer without adding extra hassle.
Why Passwords are Failing
We’ve been relying on passwords for decades. While they’ve gotten us this far, their flaws are becoming impossible to ignore. Cybercrime is become far more advanced, and even strong passwords can’t keep up. Here are some of the biggest threats facing passwords:
- Phishing: One clever email is all it takes to lure a user to a fake website, steal their login credentials, and compromise an entire company. Hackers are even bypassing multifactor authentication (MFA), once considered one of the strongest defenses.
- Brute-force attacks: Hackers now use advanced tools and AI algorithms to systematically try every possible password combination. Technology is making these attacks faster than ever.
- Data breaches: Passwords stored on company servers or in the cloud can be stolen in massive quantities when those systems are hacked.
- Credential stuffing: Hackers take stolen username and password pairs from breaches and test them across countless websites and apps.
- Password negligence: Not everyone is password perfect. There will always be those who don’t update their password regularly, those who reuse the same ones, and those who use weak passwords that are easy to crack. Even secure password managers only help if people actually use them.
The reality is simple: passwords leave a massive margin for error –a margin cybercriminals are all too happy to exploit.
And beyond security, there are everyday frustrations. Roughly one-third of all login attempts fail, meaning people are stuck resetting or retyping their passwords when they try to log in. We’ve all been there – nothing’s more frustrating than seeing “wrong password or email” right after you know you just updated it.
The Passkey Difference
Passkeys aim to fix the main problems passwords face – security and convenience. Here’s how:
Security
The biggest difference between passwords and passkeys is in how they protect your account. Passkeys rely on cryptography instead of a shared secret. When created, your device generates two keys:
- A private key: Stored securely on your personal device and never shared.
- A public key: Stored with the online service.
When you log in, your device uses your private key to verify your identity. This means your passkey only works on genuine websites and apps, making passkeys resistant to phishing and fake login pages. And since there’s no central database of credentials, there’s nothing for hackers to steal in bulk.
Your private keys are also secured by multiple layers of security:
- Biometrics: Fingerprint scanners, facial recognition, or other sensors act as a lock. Your device won’t use the key unless you prove you’re really there.
- PINs or Passcodes: A local code unlocks the key, but it’s never sent over the internet (a big difference from passwords). Even if someone has your device, they can’t use your passkey without the PIN.
- Secure Hardware: Many modern devices have special built-in “vaults” (Apple’s Secure Enclave, Android’s StrongBox, or Windows’ TPM) that store keys in a place apps where hackers can’t reach them. Your private key never leaves this vault.
- Physical Key: Some passkeys can also be stored on external hardware, like a SUB security key. Think of it like a house key – unless you have it in hand, you’re not getting inside.
Convenience
Then there’s the ease of use. With a passkey, you don’t need to remember a single complicated password. There are no password resets, lockouts, or juggling different logins.
You just authenticate and you’re in. That’s it.
The Caveat of Flexibility
All these benefits aside, it’s important to note that passkeys aren’t perfect – yet. That’s because a passkey is typically bound to a specific device, so logging in from a different computer, laptop, or phone requires syncing or approval from your primary device.
The good news? Apple, Google, Microsoft, and major password managers are already solving this issue with secure cloud syncing. Once set up, your passkeys move with you across devices, providing the same convenience as a password but all the benefits of a passkey.
Are Passkeys Better Than Passwords?
That’s the big question this entire blog has been leading up to.
The short answer: yes. Absolutely. Passkeys are safer, smarter, and easier to use. Adoption is growing quickly, and it’s clear that passwords are on their way out.
But it’s not quite time to abandon all our passwords – but we’re getting close.
The Future of Passkeys (and Passwords)
Passkeys are gaining momentum fast. According to the FIDO Alliance, 69% of people now have at least one passkey.
We recommend enabling passkeys whenever you can. You’ll get all the benefits we’ve talked about – stronger security, smoother logins, and fewer password headaches.
And if you’re ready to ride the passkey wave, let’s talk. For decades, we’ve helped our clients stay ahead of the curve with modern security solutions. With our flat-rate services, we’ll get you where you need to be and far beyond.
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About The 20 MSP
As a leading provider of managed IT services, The 20 MSP serves thousands of businesses nationwide, including single and multi-location organizations, delivering white-glove service, secure and streamlined IT infrastructure, and 24/7/365 support. We believe in building lasting relationships with clients founded on trust, communication, and the delivery of high-value services for a fair and predictable price. Our client’s success is our success, and we are committed to helping each and every organization we serve leverage technology to secure a competitive advantage and achieve new growth.
