What Is a Passkey?

Passwords have been around for decades—and they’re one of the biggest security risks businesses still rely on. Weak passwords, reused passwords, and phishing attacks are responsible for a large percentage of data breaches. That’s why many technology companies are now moving toward a more secure alternative: passkeys.

What Is a Passkey?

A passkey is a modern, password-less way to sign in to websites, apps, and business systems. Instead of typing a password, a passkey uses cryptographic security tied to your device and your identity—such as Face ID, fingerprint, or a device PIN.

In simple terms:Your device becomes the key, and only you can unlock it.

How Passkeys Work

When you create a passkey:

• A secure digital key is created on your device

• The website or application stores a matching public key (not your secret)

• When you log in, your device proves it has the private key

• You confirm it’s you using biometrics or a PIN

At no point is a password typed, stored, or transmitted.

Why Passkeys Are More Secure Than Passwords

Passkeys solve many of the problems businesses face with traditional passwords:

• Phishing-resistant – There’s no password for hackers to steal

• No password reuse – Each passkey is unique per website or app

• Stronger security – Uses industry-standard encryption

• No password databases to breach – Less risk for companies and users

Even if a hacker tricks someone into visiting a fake website, a passkey simply won’t work.

Are Passkeys Replacing Passwords?

Yes—slowly, but steadily.

Major platforms already support passkeys, including:

• Microsoft

• Google

• Apple

• Many banking, SaaS, and cloud platforms

For businesses using Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or modern cloud applications, passkeys are becoming a core part of zero-trust security strategies.

What This Means for Businesses

Passkeys reduce:

• Account takeovers

• Password reset tickets

• Security incidents caused by phishing

• Downtime from compromised accounts

They also improve:

• User experience (faster logins)

• Employee productivity

• Overall cybersecurity posture

For companies focused on compliance, cybersecurity insurance, or protecting sensitive data, passkeys are a major step forward.

Do Passkeys Replace Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?

In many cases, passkeys are MFA.

They combine:

• Something you have (your device)

• Something you are (biometrics) or something you know (PIN)

This makes them even stronger than traditional MFA methods like text messages or one-time codes.

Should Your Business Start Using Passkeys?

If your organization:

• Uses cloud-based applications

• Wants to reduce phishing risk

• Is tired of password-related support issues

• Needs stronger security without added complexity

Then yes—passkeys should be part of your IT security roadmap.

Final Thoughts

Passwords are quickly becoming outdated. Passkeys offer a more secure, user-friendly, and future-proof way to protect business systems and data. As cyber threats continue to evolve, moving beyond passwords isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity.

If your business isn’t sure where to start with passkeys or password-less security, working with an experienced IT provider can help ensure a smooth and secure transition.