22 Jan 2025

What Is The Difference Between Passwords & Passkeys

Passwords and Passkeys are both methods of securing access to accounts, systems, and devices, but they differ significantly in how they work and their level of security.

To explain them in more detail here is a breakdown.

Passwords

Definition:

A password is a very commonly used authorised access check, it is string of characters (letters, numbers, symbols) that a user creates to authenticate access to an account or system.

User-Generated:

Users typically create and remember their own passwords, which can range from simple (e.g., "password123") to complex (e.g., "T!m3@2025$").

Security Weaknesses:

• Susceptible to guessing, phishing, or brute-force attacks.
• Often reused across multiple sites, increasing vulnerability if one site is compromised.
• Can be stolen or intercepted, especially if stored insecurely or transmitted over unencrypted channels.

Convenience:

Requires users to memorise passwords or use a password manager for secure storage.

Example:

Typing a password like "MySecure2025!" to log in to your email account.

Passkeys

Definition:

A passkey is a modern authentication method that uses public-key cryptography to log in without requiring a traditional password.

System-Generated:

Passkeys are securely generated and stored by the device, eliminating the need for users to remember anything.

How It Works:

• When setting up an account, a public-private key pair is created.
• The public key is stored with the service, while the private key remains securely on the users device (e.g. phone, computer).
• To log in, the private key is used to authenticate the user without ever being shared. This process is often secured with biometric authentication (e.g., fingerprint, facial recognition) or device PINs.

Security Strengths:

• Phishing-resistant: Passkeys cannot be stolen via phishing since they are device-bound and don't involve manually entering anything.
• Immune to guessing and re-use attacks because there is no shared secret (like a password) that can be intercepted or reused.
• Even if the service is hacked, the passkey can't be misused without access to the user's private key.

Convenience:

Users don't need to remember or manage passkeys; authentication is often seamless, using biometrics or a trusted device.

Example:

Using Face ID on your phone to log in to a banking app that supports passkeys.

Key Differences

In short, passkeys are a much safer and more user-friendly alternative to passwords, designed to address the weaknesses of traditional authentication methods. Major tech companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft are actively adopting passkeys to improve security and reduce reliance on passwords.

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