Why Passkeys Are the Future (And Why You Should Start Using Them Today)

Still using passwords? This is your sign to start the switch.

Passkeys Are Going to Eliminate Passwords. Yes, I said eliminate.

If you care about security and want an easier, safer way to log into your accounts, passkeys are something you should absolutely know about.

If you’ve never heard of passkeys before — or only vaguely know what they are — you’re not alone. Maybe you’ve seen Google or Amazon prompt you to create one but didn’t know what it meant.

This post will break down what passkeys are, how they work, and the top five reasons they’re a major step forward from traditional passwords.

First Things First: What Is a Passkey?

To put it simply, a passkey is a digital lock and key.

The lock — a mechanism that can only be unlocked by the key — stays attached to the service you’re trying to protect, like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, etc.

The key — basically a super password, hundreds of characters long — stays securely on your device, stored in a special "wallet."

Together, the lock and key behave like a complex math problem that can only be solved when they are put together.

When you log in to your passkey protected account — you don’t have to remember anything or write anything down — the service requests your key, and your device will prompt you for your fingerprint, Face ID, or PIN that you use to log in or open your device.

That’s it.

Top 5 Reasons to Start Using Passkeys

1. They’re Way More Secure Than Passwords

Passwords, at their core, are just a series of characters. Even long ones can be guessed or cracked by powerful computers — especially if you don’t use randomly generated passwords — which you should also be doing.

Passkeys, by contrast, rely on the same cryptographic standards used in secure banking and VPNs. They’re extremely difficult to break — statistically impossible with current technology.

2. Phishing Attacks Don’t Work on Passkeys

When you use a passkey, one part stays with your device, the other stays with the service. If someone tricks you into clicking a fake login page, it simply can’t complete the passkey handshake.

Passkeys are phishing-resistant by design. But they are still susceptible to session hijacking and other forms of sophisticated attacks. More about that later.

3. They’re Easier to Use

You don’t have to come up with anything. No writing down passwords. No remembering which variation you used. No more endless “Forgot Password?” recurring nightmares.

Creating and using a passkey is as easy as tapping a button and authenticating with your fingerprint, face, or device PIN — just like unlocking your phone or laptop.

4. They’re Built-In Multi-Factor Authentication

Passkeys combine “something you have” (your device) with “something you are or know” (your biometrics or PIN).

That means you’re getting strong multi-factor authentication automatically, without needing to open and close apps to get codes or approve sign-ins. But these measures are still a great security measure to fall-back on.

5. You Stay in Control

Passkeys always require your direct interaction — a fingerprint, a face scan, a PIN. There’s no silent or automatic login that can happen behind your back.

Some systems even require user verification, ensuring only you — not someone holding your phone — can authenticate. Think Touch ID, Face ID, or a security key with a fingerprint reader; methods also known as bio-metrics.

The Bottom Line

Passkeys are simpler, safer, and smarter. They eliminate the need for passwords, saving you from hassle, protect you from phishing, and make login painless.

They’re already supported by Apple, Google, Microsoft, and more — and adoption is growing quickly.

Want help getting set up or understanding how passkeys work on your devices? I’m happy to help — just give me a call.