Passkey apps are changing how we secure our digital lives. Whether integrated into the operating system or developed by third-party providers, these tools manage and facilitate the use of passkeys, a secure and passwordless way of authentication.
In this article, we will explore passkey applications, how they work, and why they’re essential for modern security on mobile devices.
Passkeys are digital keys that replace traditional passwords for secure login. Based on the FIDO2 standard, they use biometric authentication (fingerprints or facial recognition) or PIN codes to verify your identity. Unlike passwords, which can be guessed, stolen, or reused, passkeys are resistant to phishing attacks and ensure a smooth login experience.
Learn more about passkeys here.
Passkey apps are applications designed to create, store, and use passkeys for secure authentication. While typical passwords are based on strings of characters, passkeys are based on the FIDO2 standard, utilizing cryptographic key pairs that provide solid protection.
Passkey apps are the central management tool for passkeys, making them accessible across devices and ecosystems.
Passkey apps handle the creation, storage, and synchronization of passkeys:
When logging into an app or website:
For most users, there’s no need to download a stand-alone passkey app. Android and iOS come with native solutions that handle creating, storing, and synchronizing passkeys with ease.
These solutions, like Google Password Manager and iCloud Keychain, are tightly integrated into their respective ecosystems and offer secure and user-friendly experiences.
These built-in tools comply with FIDO2 standards, providing robust security and automatic syncing across devices linked to your account. They also utilize hardware-backed encryption and biometric authentication, eliminating the need for additional apps.
If your device supports passkeys natively, you’re already equipped with everything needed to manage them effectively. Dedicated third-party apps are not necessary for most users, as the built-in solutions are designed to provide top-tier security and convenience.
Both passkey tools and password managers aim to enhance digital security, but they do so in fundamentally different ways:
These completely replace passwords with cryptographic credentials based on the FIDO protocols. Passkeys are authenticated through biometrics or the PIN of a device and do not require users to remember passwords
Store and auto-fill conventional passwords on behalf of the user. While they do generally enhance the security of passwords by generating and storing complex and unique passwords, they still use passwords, which are subject to phishing, brute-force attacks, or reuse.
Some password managers have started offering passkey storage alongside traditional passwords. This lets users manage passkeys across platforms in addition to their regular credentials. However, it’s worth noting that dedicated passkey storage in password managers isn’t necessary for most users.
Authenticator apps are applications that generate time-based one-time codes used for two-factor authentication (2FA). After you type in a password, you’re required to input a one-time code from the authenticator app to proceed with the login. This adds an extra layer of security but still relies on traditional passwords as the primary authentication method.
Passkeys eliminate the need for passwords. They use encryption and on-device authentication. Your identity is authenticated using biometrics or PIN and this makes passkeys Inherently a Multi-Factor Authentication method as they combine:
This built-in multi-factor approach makes passkeys more secure and convenient than traditional MFA methods, which require entering additional codes from authenticator apps.
Several third-party apps on Google Play and the Apple App Store claim to enhance passkey management, but they are not necessary for most users. While some third-party options may be legitimate, they often duplicate features already available natively
Users should exercise caution before downloading:
Trusting your device’s native tools is generally the safest route, as they come with built-in security measures.
For most users, passkey managers integrated into both Android and iOS make third-party apps unnecessary. These native solutions provide secure storage, automatic syncing, and effortless integration into daily use.
While third-party apps may claim to enhance passkey management, they often duplicate functionalities already available in these native tools. Trusting your device’s built-in options is the safest and most practical approach to embracing this technology.
As passkeys become more widely adopted, they are poised to redefine online security, making authentication faster, safer, and more user-friendly for everyone. The adoption of passkeys today means stepping into a future free from the risks and frustrations associated with traditional passwords.
