Passkeys: The end of passwords is here. Here's how to activate it.

Tired of creating, remembering, and changing passwords? The ultimate solution is here, called Passkeys. It's more secure, faster, and backed by giants like Google, Apple, and Microsoft. We'll explain what it is and how you can start using it today.

In a digital world rocked by massive data breaches, such as the recent exposure of 16 billion credentials, the traditional username and password model has become unsustainable. The answer to this security crisis is already upon us and is emerging as the future of authentication: Passkeys.

Driven by the FIDO Alliance and tech giants like Google, Apple, and Microsoft, Passkeys propose a world without passwords, replacing them with a much more secure and convenient method: the biometrics of your own device.

What is a Passkey and why is it much more secure than a password?

A Passkey is a unique digital credential that replaces the need for a password. Instead of typing a passcode, you simply use your device's unlock method (fingerprint, facial recognition, or PIN) to log in to websites and apps.

Its security is based on public-key cryptography, also known as asymmetric cryptography. Here's how it works:

* Creating the Key Pair: When you create a Passkey for a service (for example, your Google Account), your device generates a pair of linked cryptographic keys: a public key and a private key.

* Secure Storage: The public key is sent to and stored on the service's servers (Google). The private key, which is the secret that identifies you, never leaves your device. It is securely stored in a specialized chip like Apple's Secure Enclave or the equivalent on Android and Windows.

* Authentication Without Secrets: When you log in, the Google server sends a "challenge" to your device. Your device uses the private key to cryptographically "sign" that challenge and returns the signature. The server verifies this signature with your public key. If they match, you are granted access.

The genius of this system is that no password or secret is ever transmitted over the network. This makes Passkeys immune to phishing attacks and server data breaches, the two biggest dangers for traditional passwords.

Clear advantages: goodbye to fear and frustration

The advantages of Passkeys over passwords are overwhelming:

* Phishing Resistance: Since there's nothing to enter, it's impossible for a fake website to trick you into revealing your "password." The Passkey is tied to the legitimate website and won't work anywhere else.

* Leak-proof: If a company's servers are hacked, attackers will only obtain the public keys, which are useless without the corresponding private keys on your device.

* Convenience and speed: Logging in is as fast as unlocking your phone. No more "wrong password" or recovery processes.

* Sync across devices: Your Passkeys sync securely across your Google account, Apple iCloud Keychain, or Microsoft account, allowing you to seamlessly log in across all your devices.

"Passkeys are the definitive sign of the end of passwords as we know them. It's a paradigm shift toward security that doesn't depend on what you remember, but on who you are and what you have." – David Carrero, security expert.

How to activate and use Passkeys on your primary accounts

Most major services already support Passkeys. Here's how to get started.

Activate Passkeys on your Google account:

* Make sure your device (Android 9+ or iOS 16+) has a screen lock method enabled.

* Go to your Google account login page and sign in.

* Go to the Security section.

* Look for the “Access Keys” or “Passkeys” option.

* Follow the instructions to create your first Passkey. You'll be prompted to use your fingerprint, face, or device PIN to confirm.

* Once created, the next time you log in on a new device, you can use your phone to scan a QR code and authenticate without a password.

Enable Passkeys on Apple devices (iCloud Keychain):

* Make sure you have two-factor authentication and iCloud Keychain turned on in your iPhone (iOS 16+) or Mac (macOS Ventura+) settings.

* When you sign up for a supported app or website, you'll automatically be offered the option to "Save an Access Key."

* Confirm with Face ID or Touch ID. The Passkey will be saved in your iCloud Keychain and available on all your Apple devices.

The process is similar for Microsoft accounts, using Windows Hello (PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition) on Windows 10/11 devices.

The end of passwords won't be immediate, but the transition has already begun. Adopting Passkeys is the most important step you can take today to protect your digital identity against future threats.