Using Passkeys: A Key to Strengthening IT Security and Streamlining Authentication

Security breaches and password fatigue are growing concerns for individuals and businesses. Traditional passwords are often weak, reused, and susceptible to phishing attacks. Businesses are adopting passwordless methods, such as passkeys, to combat credential theft and simplify authentication. Passkeys offer phishing-resistant authentication, reducing social engineering risks and supporting cyber resilience and identity security.  

What Passkeys Are and How They Work

Passkeys use public-key cryptography for passwordless authentication. Instead of storing a password on a server, passkeys use a pair of cryptographic keys:

• Public Key: Stored by the service you log into.
• Private Key: Your device securely stores this key.

When you log in, the service sends a challenge that your device signs with the private key. This proves your identity without sending sensitive data. Authentication usually uses your fingerprint, PIN, or face. Since the private key never leaves your device, it cannot be intercepted or stolen by hackers.

Cloud synchronization (such as Apple iCloud Keychain or Google Password Manager) allows passkeys to work across your devices, making them accessible wherever you need them.

Benefits of Using Passkeys

Passkeys provide organizations with numerous benefits. Passwordless authentication reduces IT support, saving your department time previously spent on password resets. Passkeys offer faster, seamless logins via biometrics, reducing hassle for employees accessing accounts. While these are advantages, the greatest benefit is improved protection: passkeys defend against phishing, credential theft, and social engineering, safeguarding sensitive data.

What Makes Them So Secure

Passwords depend on secrecy and complexity, but people often choose weak or reused passwords, creating vulnerabilities. Even strong passwords can be compromised by phishing or data leaks. Passkeys eliminate these risks by:

• Phishing Resistance: Passkeys cannot be tricked into revealing credentials on fake websites.
• No Shared Secrets: Unlike passwords, you do not store a single string on a server for hackers to steal.
• Device-Based Security: Your device stores private keys, often secured by biometrics such as fingerprints or facial recognition.

This combination makes passkeys significantly harder to compromise compared to traditional passwords.

How to Keep Track of Passkeys

Passkeys offer convenience. You don’t have to remember or record complex strings — they’re stored and synced in your device’s password manager. For example:

• Apple Devices: iCloud Keychain syncs passkeys across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
• Google Accounts: Passkeys are stored in Google Password Manager and accessible across devices.
• Third-Party Managers: Some password managers now support passkeys.

To ensure smooth access, keep devices updated and enable backups. Switching ecosystems may require extra steps to export passkeys.

Risks and Considerations

While convenient, passkeys aren’t perfect. Some challenges they present are:

• Device Dependency: Lost devices or backups make recovering passkeys difficult.
• Compatibility Issues: Not all websites and apps currently support passkeys.
• Learning Curve: Some users may find the switch confusing.

These limitations mean passkeys are not a universal solution. At least, not yet.

How to Implement Passkeys in an Organization

Getting started with passkeys can be daunting. Here’s a simple outline: Assess device and application compatibility.

1. Test enterprise passkeys with a tech-savvy group before deploying them fully across the organization.
2. Train users on enabling passkeys and managing multi-device access.
3. Create IT policies for syncing, device changes, and account recovery.

Final Thoughts

Passkeys mark a leap in digital security, delivering stronger protection and a smoother user experience than passwords. As adoption evolves, organizations should assess readiness for a passwordless IT strategy and seek advisory support for a seamless transition. Staying ahead of authentication trends will reduce risk and increase convenience.

Have questions about implementing passkeys or strengthening your cybersecurity processes? Contact your CRI advisor — we’re here to help you navigate the future of your organization’s security.