What are Passkeys?

In an increasingly digitalized world, the security of our online accounts is a priority. Traditionally, passwords have been the first line of defense, but with the increase in cyberattacks and the difficulty of remembering complex combinations, it has become necessary to look for more secure and convenient alternatives. This is where passkeys come into play.

A Revolution in Authentication

According to an article by ESET, a leading cybersecurity company, passkeys represent a new form of authentication that seeks to replace traditional passwords. Unlike passkeys, which require the user to remember a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols, passkeys use digital keys stored securely on our devices.

How do passkeys work?

Passkeys are based on asymmetric cryptography, a method that uses a pair of keys: a public key and a private key. When authenticating, the private key, which is stored on the user's device, is combined with the service's public key to verify the user's identity. This process ensures that only the owner of the device can access their account.

Advantages of Passkeys:

Increased Security: By eliminating the need to remember and use passwords, the risk of attacks such as phishing or password theft is reduced.
Convenience: Passkeys are automatically stored on devices and used transparently, simplifying the login process.
No Information Sharing: Since the keys are unique and cannot be shared or recovered if lost, they offer a higher level of security.

Challenges and Considerations

While passkeys offer numerous benefits, they also present some challenges. For example, losing the device where keys are stored can result in losing access to accounts. Therefore, it is essential to have adequate recovery and backup mechanisms.

Passkeys are emerging as an innovative solution to improve online security and user experience. By adopting this technology, not only is protection against cyberattacks strengthened, but access to digital services is also facilitated, marking a significant advance in the field of cybersecurity.

For more information about passkeys and how they can improve the security of your accounts, we invite you to explore the resources provided by ESET and other experts in the field.