Passkey vs. Password: Which is better for securing your digital account and providing foolproof security? Learn here..

You're likely familiar with passwords. Whether it's signing into Gmail, checking your Facebook account, or logging into a bank account, passwords are often requested. Passwords have been used in the digital world for decades. However, this technology for keeping your digital accounts secure has become outdated, and many of its flaws are emerging. Hackers have cracked passwords with the help of AI, leading to a rise in digital crime. In this context, technology has provided us with an even more secure option than passwords: a passkey. So, let's explore what a passkey is and how it differs from a password.

What is a passkey, and where did it originate?

The concept of a passkey was introduced in 2009, but the credit for implementing this technology on a large scale goes to the FIDO (Fast Identity Online) Alliance, which includes major companies like Microsoft, Apple, and Google. Google began rolling out passkeys for account logins in 2023. A passkey functions similarly to a password, but its functionality and technology are completely different. A passkey is a new technology that differs significantly from traditional passwords. A passkey is stored in a cryptographic format on a user's device, such as a phone or computer, and is linked to their biometric data (fingerprint or Face ID) or device PIN. This eliminates the need for the user to remember a password. Simply put, the fingerprint and face unlock system on your phone is the passkey.

The advantage of this is that no one can find out your passkey. The passkey cannot be shown or shared because it doesn't contain alphanumeric digits like traditional passwords. This makes it impossible for hackers to find it. This means that even if your device is lost, no one will have any clue about your passkey. Furthermore, no other user can use your passkey, as it is unique to each user.

Difference between a password and a passkey
As we mentioned earlier, the biggest difference between a password and a passkey is the technology. Passwords are based on older technology using alphanumeric digits, while Passkeys offer more secure cryptographic protection, accessible only through your biometric data. Passwords are stored on both your device and the website or app's server. If hackers gain access to the server, they can also learn your password, making the password vulnerable to compromise. On the other hand, Passkeys are stored as encrypted code in both locations. Even if hackers try to steal them, they cannot access the account without the user's device. This makes Passkeys more secure than passwords against attacks like phishing or password guessing.

Does Passkey have any drawbacks?
Currently, a Passkey created on one device will not work when logged in on another device. If you created a Passkey to log in to Facebook on your phone, you won't be able to use the same Passkey on another device. You'll only be able to log in from another device using a passkey if you create a new passkey on that device. This provides strong protection against hacking.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.