Passkeys: The Future Beyond Passwords

Passwords have been the foundation of digital security for decades. But let’s be honest, most of us are tired of remembering dozens of them, juggling password managers, or worse, reusing the same weak password across multiple accounts.

That’s where passkeys come in. They’re being rolled out by tech giants like Apple, Google and Microsoft as the next big step in online security, and they’re designed to make logging in both safer and easier.

So, what exactly are passkeys, and why should you care?

What Are Passkeys?

A passkey is a digital credential that replaces your traditional password. Instead of typing in something you know (like “Pa$$word123”), you use something you are (such as your fingerprint, face scan, or device PIN).

When you log in with a passkey:

• Your device generates a secure, unique cryptographic key.

• One part stays safely on your device, the other sits on the website or app.

• They only “match” when you authenticate with biometrics or a PIN.

The result? No one can steal or guess your password, because there isn’t one.

Why Are Passkeys Better Than Passwords?

Passkeys solve many of the frustrations we all face with passwords:

🔒 Stronger security - They can’t be guessed, reused, or stolen in phishing attacks.

⚡ Faster logins - A quick Face ID, fingerprint, or PIN replaces typing and remembering.

📱 Multi-device support - Services like iCloud Keychain and Google Password Manager allow your passkeys to sync securely across devices.

🙅 No more “forgot my password” resets - Because there’s no password to forget.

How Do You Use Them?

Right now, many big platforms already support passkeys, including PayPal, eBay, Google accounts, and even LinkedIn (yes, really!).

If you’re set up with:

• Apple → iCloud Keychain will manage your passkeys.

• Google → Google Password Manager does the same across Android and Chrome.

• Microsoft → Windows Hello supports passkeys via fingerprint, PIN, or facial recognition.

And if you use a password manager already, you might not need to change anything, for example:

• LastPass now lets you create, store, and sync passkeys across devices.

• 1Password supports saving and sharing passkeys alongside your logins.

• Dashlane also supports passkeys and saves them securely in your vault.

This makes moving into a password-free future much simpler, especially if you’ve already built your routines around a manager you trust.

Best Practices When Using Passkeys

Like any new tool, it’s worth setting yourself up for success:

• ✅ Enable backups/sync so your passkeys are safe if you lose a device.

• ✅ Keep multiple devices registered (e.g. your phone and your laptop).

• ✅ Update your devices and apps regularly for security patches.

• ✅ Know where your passkeys are stored (iCloud, Google, Microsoft or Password Manager).

• ✅ Be mindful on shared devices, if you set up a passkey on a family iPad or shared computer, anyone with access could log in as you. Stick to personal devices where possible. If you share a device (family tablet, shared PC), ensure it has separate accounts or locks. Each passkey activation usually prompts verification (biometric / PIN) even when the device is unlocked.

Why This Matters for Growing Businesses

If you’re running a growing business, protecting your accounts is non-negotiable. A security breach could cost you far more than the inconvenience of resetting a password.

Passkeys not only make your life easier but also raise the bar for your business’s security. And as more apps and services adopt them, passwords may soon be a thing of the past.

Final Thoughts

Passkeys are a practical, secure, and user-friendly way to log in. They remove the hassle of remembering (and forgetting) passwords and protect you from common cyberattacks. If you’re not using them yet, it might be time to give them a try. The future really could be password-free.