The passkey it is a new technology that promises a IT security decidedly higher than that of traditional passwords.
It is in fact a authentication system which exploits the encryption and that blocks or unblocks websites, software or mobile apps at each access.
The procedure to follow for enable and activate passkeys on Apple devices like iPhone, iPad e Mac it’s very simple. And the same goes for the steps to follow related to individual services which you want to access.
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1. What is a passkey and what is it for
The passkey it is a technology that aims to replace passwords. And that solves several security problems related to traditional passwords.
One above all, the passkeys they do not involve memorization of any kind of combination of letters or keys. It is in fact a typology of authentication which locks and unlocks the device through a system encryption public key.
In other words, for each account created the passkey requires the creation of a unique cryptographic key pair: the public one remains archived within the site or page external web. The private one is saved instead inside the device of the user.
Every time the user tries to access the profile in question, the public key interfaces with the key private. And the request is authenticated through a system of your choice: for example the use of aFingerprintrather than the Facial recognition or sending one passcode.
The passkey is now perfectly integrated with Apple devices: starting from iPhoneuntil you get to iPad o Mac. At the same time, however, it is an emerging technology.
Consequentially some sites or some apps they may not have implemented it yet. But several industry experts agree that passkeys are the future of cybersecurity. This means that, over the next few years, adoption will expand like wildfire.
To have a list of the most important sitesThere are several apps or services that accept the passkey directory online. These are lists under construction, which are coming constantly updated and they give the idea of how much the passkey is being chosen, day after day, all over the world.
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2. How to create passkey on Apple devices
To start replacing the password with the passkey on iPhone, iPad or Mac you need to follow some mandatory steps. As long as some occur starting technical requirements.
The user must first verify that their Apple device installs a operating system sufficiently updated: starting from iOS 16 in the case of iPhone, from iPadOS 16 in the case of iPad and from macOS is coming in Mac’s case.
At the same time it is essential to make sure that yours is also there browser support passkeys. The software installed by default on Apple devices Safari it is perfectly capable of integrating with this cybersecurity technology. And the same goes for Google Chrome.
The first thing to do to start using passkeys is enable them. And the procedure to follow on Apple devices is roughly the same. You have to go through them Settingsthe section named Password and the voice of name Password options.
From here you need to activate two switches: the one dedicated to Autofill passwords and passkeys. And the one dedicated to iCloud Password and Keychain.
At this point all that remains is to start create passkeys, but in this case the procedure varies from service to service. The advice is to search for the word “passkey” in the your account settings. Then follow the instructions step by step.
Usually to generate a passkey you first need to enter your full account credentials: username (or, alternatively, email address) and password.
Then you need to select one of the authentication options available: in the case of Mac it could be Touch IDwhile in the case of iPad and iPhone it could be Face ID.
Alternatively, it is also possible to renounce biometric recognition e opt for a passcode: a generally numeric code, which allows you to block or unblock accounts and applications.
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3. How to use passkeys to access apps and services
Once you have created your own passkey, all that remains is to start using it instead of the old password. Following the procedure described in the previous paragraphs, we ensure that all passkeys are saved within iCloud Keychain of Apple.
This assumption causes the passkeys to come automatically synchronized on all devices linked to the same account. Consequently the user can use them as much as possible Machow much up iPhone o iPad.
And it allows the user to recover them just in case access from an external device. To do this, simply activate Bluetooth connectivity on both devices. AND scan the QR code which will appear on your original device.
Then there is another important aspect to be considered and concerns the first time you log in to an account after setting the passkey. In fact, it is possible that the site, app or service will continue to require the user to enter the password. In this case you shouldn’t despair, but look for an entry dedicated to alternative access options. In the case of Google services, this entry is called Try another way.
After selecting this item a should appear list of options available. And, among these, an entry dedicated topasskey authentication. In the case of Google services, this entry is called Use your passkey.
After selecting this item, the user will be redirected directly to recognition phase. Which will vary based on selected technology when creating the passkey.
To know more:
- Computer security: guide to safe browsing on the web
- IOS, features of the Apple operating system