For years, passwords have been the standard way to protect online accounts. However, remembering dozens of unique passwords can be difficult – and weak or reused passwords can create opportunities for identity theft.

That’s where passkeys come in. They’re becoming a more common way to sign into websites and apps without typing a traditional password, and they’re designed to make logging in easier and more secure.

If you’ve recently seen an option to “create a passkey,” here’s what it means and what you should know before making the switch.

What is a Passkey?

A passkey is a digital credential that lets you sign into an account without entering a traditional password. Instead, you typically verify your identity using the same method you use to unlock your device, such as:

• A fingerprint
• Facial recognition
• A device PIN or passcode

Behind the scenes, a passkey uses cryptography to verify that you’re authorized to access your account. Rather than relying on something you need to remember and type, it lets your device securely confirm your identity.

How are Passkeys Different from Passwords?

A password is a word, phrase, or combination of characters that you create and enter when signing in. The website or app checks that it matches the credentials linked to your account.

A passkey works differently. Creating one generates a pair of cryptographic keys. One key is associated with the website or app, while the private key stays protected on your device or in your password manager. When you sign in, the keys work together to verify your identity without sending your private credentials to the website.

When prompted to sign in with a passkey, it’s usually a quick tap on a button or a text prompt to use your Face ID, fingerprint, or device PIN to access your account.

Why Can Passkeys be More Secure?

Passkeys can reduce several risks commonly associated with passwords.

They’re resistant to phishing. Each passkey is linked to the legitimate website or app where it was created, so it generally won’t authenticate if a scammer directs you to a fake login page.

There’s no password to reuse. Reusing the same password across multiple accounts can put them all at risk if one company has a data breach. Each passkey is tied to a specific account.

There’s nothing to type, so you can’t accidentally enter your passkey on a phishing site, jot it down on a sticky note, or send it to someone asking for your login credentials.

Passkeys can also help protect against password guessing, credential stuffing, and other attacks that rely on stolen passwords.

What Should You Know Before Switching?

Passkeys offer strong security benefits, and a few key details are worth knowing as you get started.

Not all websites support passkeys yet. Passwords remain widely used, and some sites and apps may not offer passkeys as an option.

Your experience may vary depending on your device. Passkeys often sync across devices that use the same operating system or password manager. Switching between devices or technology ecosystems may require extra steps.

Account recovery still matters. Losing a phone or computer doesn’t always mean losing access to your accounts. Many passkeys can be restored through your device’s account or password manager, so keep your recovery information up to date and protect the accounts that control access to your devices and stored passkeys.

You may still encounter other security checks. Some services may still require additional authentication in certain situations.

Can Passkeys Help Protect Your Identity?

They can help reduce several common paths that criminals use to take over online accounts.

Stolen passwords can expose email, banking, shopping, and other valuable personal information. Because passkeys don’t rely on a reusable password, they can make it harder for criminals to use phishing or stolen databases to access your accounts.

The Identity Theft Resource Center describes passkeys as an important tool for reducing identity crimes tied to stolen passwords. Still, passkeys are just one part of protecting your identity, not a replacement for every security habit.

Should You Use a Passkey When One is Offered?

For many people, setting up a passkey on a trusted website or app is convenient and offers stronger protection than using only a traditional password. Before creating one, confirm that you’re using the legitimate website or official app, and know where your device stores and manages passkeys.

If a website doesn’t support passkeys, continue following strong password practices. That means using a unique password for each account, avoiding easily guessed passwords, and enabling multifactor authentication when available.

Keep Your Digital Security Strong

The way we protect online accounts is changing, and passkeys may eventually become a much more common alternative to passwords. Whether you use passkeys, passwords, or a combination of both – good digital security habits still matter.

Protect your devices with a strong PIN or passcode, keep your software updated, be cautious about unexpected login requests, and never approve a sign-in you didn’t initiate.

A few extra security measures can make it much harder for criminals to gain access to your accounts and personal information. For more tips like these, visit the Preventing Identity Theft section of our First Scoop Blog.