Safeguards
Passkeys
What are passkeys?
A passkey is a sign in method without a password. Instead of a secret you type, your device proves to the website with a cryptographic key that it is you. It is unlocked with a fingerprint, a face or the device PIN.
The key advantage concerns phishing. A passkey is tied to the address of the genuine website. If you land on a rebuilt sign in page, the passkey simply does not work there. A password, by contrast, you would type into the fake page as well, and a one time code by SMS can be asked for in real time.
The secret part of the key never leaves your device. The website stores only the public part. If that website is later breached, the captured data grants no access, because nothing can be signed with it.
In practice the question is recovery. What happens when a device is lost? Passkeys can be carried to several devices through an Apple, Google or Microsoft account, or through a password manager. Decide in advance which route your business takes and how an employee regains access.
All terms in the knowledge base
Note: This entry reflects the state of knowledge to the best of our understanding and serves as general orientation. It is not legal advice. What counts is always the version currently in force at the responsible body, for example dsb.gv.at, nis.gv.at or enisa.europa.eu.
From the term to practice
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