Back in May, we caught wind of an upcoming successor to the traditional password – the Passkey. Now, we're thrilled to learn that Apple will be introducing Passkeys in the upcoming iOS 16 release. This exciting development, however, has caused some confusion. Many people assumed that Passkeys would be exclusive to Apple, but that's not the case at all.

In fact, Passkeys will be utilized in a collaborative effort by tech giants Apple, Microsoft, and Google to bolster online security. While Apple is actively promoting this new feature, Microsoft and Google are equally invested in spreading awareness and understanding of Passkeys. The ultimate goal is to encourage more individuals to adopt Passkeys, thereby enhancing the overall safety of our online businesses.

So what exactly are FIDO authentication and Passkeys? Passkeys basically let you sign into apps and websites with just your username and a pre-authenticated device, usually your phone. Your device creates a cryptographic token that functions as one key in a pair of cryptographic keys. You can access the requested app or website when this pair matches.

In practice, this means that when you log in, all you need is your phone to prove your identity. Unlocking your phone using your face, fingerprint, or PIN verifies that it's truly you. As long as your phone is within Bluetooth range of your computer, the authentication process will seamlessly proceed. And the best part? No more passwords to remember!

Passkeys provide a significantly more secure method of accessing apps and safeguarding your accounts against cybercriminals. Since you never actually see your cryptographic token, the risk of having your login credentials stolen is greatly reduced. Cybercriminals will find it nearly impossible to employ their usual tactics, such as phishing emails, brute force attacks, or keyloggers, to steal your credentials. They would need physical access to your device, making remote hacking far less likely.

If you're already using Windows Hello, you may have noticed that Passkeys are already supported. And it won't be long until all three tech giants integrate Passkey support across their entire product ranges.

In the meantime, if you need any assistance or guidance on keeping your apps and accounts secure, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to help you embrace these innovative security measures and protect your digital presence. Say goodbye to passwords and hello to a safer online experience.