What is a Passkey and How Does it Work?

Summary

• What is a passkey? A passkey is a digital credential (typically a face scan, fingerprint or PIN) that allows users to sign in to a website or app without entering a password or username. Identity criminals cannot steal it because it is unique to only you.
• How does a passkey work? When you sign up or sign in with a passkey, it is bound to a company’s website. It will not work if used to log on to a fake website or during a phishing attack.
• Why are passkeys effective? Using a unique identifier to sign in to your accounts is a two-way authentication, eliminating account takeovers due to stolen passwords. When you log in using a passkey, the website or app verifies that it is your device. Your device then verifies that the website or app is authentic.
• Should you switch to passkeys? The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) believes that, when fully implemented, passkey technology can eliminate an entire class of identity crime. We recommend people enable passkeys when offered.
• Will passwords go away? Not anytime soon. It will take time for passkey technology to be fully implemented. As long as you use passwords, create unique 12+-character passphrases for each account. Also, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) with an app, if possible, on your accounts for added security.
• Contact the ITRC. If you have additional questions about passkeys or believe you were the victim of an identity crime, contact the ITRC. You can reach us toll-free by text or phone (888.400.5530) or live chat on the company website, idtheftcenter.org.

Strong 12+ character unique passphrases keep your accounts safer than if you had a weak password or the same passwords for each account. However, they are becoming less effective with the rise of information compromised in data breaches and phishing attacks. With identity crimes near record highs, passkeys could not come at a better time. What is a passkey? How does it work? Why should people use them? Many consumers ask these questions, and the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) has the answers. 

What is a Passkey?

A passkey is a digital credential (typically a face scan, fingerprint or PIN) that allows users to sign in to a website or app without entering a password or username. There are no letters, numbers or symbols to remember. You cannot lose a password or username inadvertently. Identity criminals cannot steal it because it’s a credential that is unique to you and only you. This makes them more secure.

How Does a Passkey Work and Why is it Effective?

When you sign up to use a passkey, it is bound to a company’s website, meaning it will not work if used to log on to a fake website or during a phishing attack. While the technology behind passkeys is enhanced and years in the making, the user experience is simple. Using a unique identifier to sign up and into your accounts also serves as a two-way authentication, eliminating account takeovers due to stolen passwords.

Every time you log in using a passkey, the website or app verifies that it is your device. Your device then verifies that the website or app is authentic. If you receive a phishing email, even if you click on the link, your device will not authenticate the web address, and the login will fail.

Why It’s Time to Switch from Passwords to Passkeys

The ITRC believes that, when fully implemented, passkey technology can eliminate an entire class of identity crime. We recommend that people enable passkeys when offered, especially for their email, financial and social media accounts.

With all of that said, passwords are not going away anytime soon. It will take time for passkey technology to be fully implemented. As long as you use passwords, creating unique 12+-character passphrases on each account is essential. They are easier to remember and harder for identity criminals to crack. Also, multi-factor authentication (MFA) should be used when offered, particularly with an app (SMS can be spoofed). It is an added layer of security for each account.

Contact the ITRC

If you have additional questions about passkeys or believe you were the victim of an identity crime, contact us. You can speak with an ITRC expert advisor toll-free by text or phone (888.400.5530) or live chat on the company website. Just visit www.idtheftcenter.org to get started.

This blog was published on 12/10/24 and was updated on 4/29/25