AC3 - New Orleans Managed Services and Business IT Support

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Passkeys? What's the deal with those?

AC3 IT

If you've ever logged into a cloud service and saw 'passkeys' as a login option, you might have scratched your head. Well, let's demystify it for you in a way that's easy to digest.

In the not-so-distant past, the gold standard for secure logins involved using a physical device that stored all your login credentials. Imagine it like your secret key to the digital kingdom. This nifty gadget ensured that your password was never exposed to potential leaks or phishing attacks. Your identity verification was all thanks to this trusty, portable device.

However, as our computers and smartphones got smarter and started offering cool things like fingerprint and facial recognition, the need for an extra piece of hardware dwindled. Most of us are familiar with using our fingerprints or faces to unlock our devices these days, right?

So, what's the deal with passkeys? It's all about leveraging the fact that only you should be able to access your device. Instead of typing in a password, you get a quick request on your phone or computer to grant access.

Now, let's break it down:

Advantages of Passkeys:

  1. No More Passwords to Remember: Say goodbye to password headaches and the risks of reusing them.

  2. Hack-Proof Passwords: Since you're not typing them in, no more worrying about hackers snatching your passwords.

  3. Phishing-Proof: Phishing attacks won't work because you're not entering any passwords.

  4. Super Easy: It's a breeze to use and incredibly convenient.

  5. Double Encryption: Passkeys use a two-key system for extra security—one on the service you're trying to access and one on your device.

Drawbacks:

  1. Not Universally Available: Not all services offer passkeys.

  2. Biometric Hurdles: Some devices might not have biometric authentication options.

So there you have it—passkeys in a nutshell. They make your online life safer, simpler, and more secure a lot like AC3!

Are you in the New Orleans area? Is your company looking for a way to simplify your IT? AC3 can collaborate with your company to streamline and simplify your IT operations. Talk to an information technology specialist or email us at support@ac3it.com with any questions!