Passwords have long been the weakest link in our online lives. We forget them, reuse them, and often create ones so simple that they’re easily cracked. But in 2023, a shift is underway that promises to kiss your password goodbye—for good.
The Problem with Passwords
Let’s be honest: passwords are a hassle. Whether you’re trying to recall a login you created years ago or getting locked out of your account because of a typo, it’s frustrating. But beyond the annoyance, passwords are also insecure.
According to SplashData’s 2022 list of the most common passwords, “password” and “123456” were still top offenders. These choices take hackers mere seconds to guess. A report from the Online Authentication Barometer found that 59% of people abandoned an online account because they couldn’t remember their password—and 40% even gave up on a purchase. That’s not just inconvenient—it’s bad for business and security.
Introducing Passkeys: A Safer, Simpler Alternative
Luckily, a new solution is taking shape in the form of Passkeys, a technology that might finally let us kiss your password goodbye. Developed by the FIDO (Fast Identity Online) Alliance, Passkeys aim to replace traditional passwords with a more secure, user-friendly method.
So, what makes Passkeys different?
How Passkeys Work
Passkeys use public key cryptography instead of shared secrets like passwords. This makes them incredibly difficult for hackers to exploit. Even if someone gains access to your login credentials, they won’t be able to use them without the private key stored on your personal device.
Authentication is handled through biometrics—like your fingerprint or facial recognition—or hardware tokens. That means no more remembering complex combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols. Just scan your fingerprint or glance at your phone.
Cross-Device Convenience
One of the most exciting aspects of Passkeys is how seamlessly they work across platforms and devices. Once you set up a Passkey on one device, you can use it to log in to services on another without ever typing a password. It’s the future of frictionless authentication.
Imagine logging into your eBay account with just Face ID or Touch ID—no password needed. That’s the reality being rolled out in 2023.
Big Tech Is On Board
Major tech giants are already jumping on board. Apple introduced Passkeys in iOS 16 and macOS Ventura. Microsoft, Google, and Meta have all pledged support for full implementation this year.
Password managers like Dashlane, 1Password, and Nordpass are also racing to integrate Passkey support, ensuring that users who rely on these tools can smoothly transition.
Already Rolling Out
While Passkeys are still in their early days, platforms like PayPal and eBay have already begun implementing them on a broader scale. Look for the Passkey logo to know if a service supports it.
However, until full adoption happens, two-factor authentication (2FA) remains your best defense against unauthorized access.
What This Means for You
As 2023 progresses, expect to see more websites and apps adopting Passkeys. While the change may seem slow at first, the benefits are clear:
- No more forgotten passwords
- No more password reset emails
- Stronger protection against phishing and hacks
- Faster, easier logins
It’s time to embrace the future and kiss your password goodbye.
FAQs
Q: What are Passkeys?
A: Passkeys are a new login method that uses biometric or hardware-based authentication instead of traditional passwords.
Q: Are Passkeys more secure than passwords?
A: Yes. They use public key cryptography, which is far harder to hack than typical password systems.
Q: Can I use Passkeys on all my devices?
A: Yes. Passkeys are designed to work across devices and platforms using technologies like Bluetooth and cloud syncing.
Q: Which companies currently support Passkeys?
A: Apple, Google, Microsoft, Meta, eBay, PayPal, and several password managers have started implementing them.
Q: Should I stop using two-factor authentication?
A: Not yet. Until Passkeys are more widely adopted, 2FA is still the most secure option available.
In 2023, we’re taking a big step toward a more secure and user-friendly internet. So get ready to kiss your password goodbye—a simpler, safer digital world is just around the corner.