Passkeys: The Cybersecurity-Boosting Alternative to Passwords
Passkeys are a new, more secure way to sign into applications and websites. They are easier to use and more secure than passwords, so you no longer need to rely on the names of pets, birthdays, or the infamous “password123.”
In this blog post from Google, passkeys are discussed in more detail. For some time, Google and others in the industry have been working on a simpler and safer alternative to passwords. Passwords are often frustrating to remember and put users at risk if they end up in the wrong hands. Last year, FIDO Alliance, Apple and Microsoft announced they would begin work to support passkeys on their platform as an easier and more secure alternative to passwords. Google also has begun providing support for passkeys.
Passkeys let users sign into applications and sites the same way you unlock your devices – with either a fingerprint, a face scan, or a screen lock PIN. Unlike passwords, passkeys are resistant to online attacks like phishing, making them far more secure. Passkey experiences are now available on Chrome and Android.
Other services that have started employing passkeys include:
- DocuSign
- Kayak
- PayPal
- Shopify
- Yahoo! Japan
However, since passwords are still required for the majority of applications and websites, this blog from Hikvision provides some tips for making them stronger.
View more Hikvision cybersecurity resources in the online cybersecurity center.