Safety and convenience are the passkey passwords, a cutting-edge authentication system that is replacing traditional passwords for accessing apps, programs, websites or digital services. However, as passkeys gain traction, a significant challenge arises relating to possibility to share them with friends and family.
In fact, to ensure a high level of IT security, no one knows the digital keys that allow you to access the site or service you registered for. Much less the interested party who must limit himself to using the biometric recognition to verify your identity.
Passkeys will replace passwords in the next few years
In addition to not being comfortable at all, the Conventional passwords often represent a risk for user safety. These alphanumeric combinations are prone to data leaks and phishing attacks, making them less than ideal for safeguarding personal information. Although i Premium password managers offer a more secure alternativeonly a fraction of users benefit from these tools.
Recognizing the limitations of passwords, the FIDO Alliancewith the involvement of tech giants such as Google, Apple e Microsoft, supported the development of passkeys. The concept behind it is simple: there is nothing to memorize or enter manually. When you register for a service, a “secret key” unique is generated and stored on the smartphone or computer you are using, while a corresponding “public key” resides on the website server.
When these keys align, the user’s identity istested by fingerprint or facial recognition, ensuring access. Basically, no one knows the secret keys, not even him. And even in the event of a data breach, only public keys are exposed. Stealing private keys is a daunting taskwhich requires physical access to the device and passing biometric security measures.
Which passkey managers offer sharing
Most major operating systems now include built-in passkey managers and some password management tools, such as 1Password, offer passkey support. Currently though only some services allow you to share them. It’s about Apple iCloud Keychain, 1Password, NordPass, Bitwarden, Dashlane.
A premium password manager is typically your best bet, but friends and family may need to use the same manager for seamless sharing. Additionally, Google is said to be working on password sharing in Chrome, which opens up the future possibility of sharing passkeys. As for Windows 11 there are no similar indications.
It `s important to note that password and passkey will coexist for some time. So if you need to share your login credentials with someone, just provide them with your password. Creating a passkey for a website doesn’t make the password obsolete, at least not yet. What’s more, with the phasing out of passwords, passkey sharing it may not be necessary or even discouraged.
The uncertain future of passkey sharing
In October 2023, only 75 apps and websites support the passkey standard. Very few of these use it as the default login option, and none have forced users to enable passkeys.
Many online services are already cracking down on sharing of accounts e implementing two-factor authentication through methods such as text messages or emails. Additionally, even in scenarios where it is necessary, companies may require users to generate unique passkeys for each individual or create a single account that can be linked to several separate ones. The latter approach is already preferred by some subscription services as it provides users with a greater sense of privacy and simplifies data management.
Additionally, if passkey sharing becomes too accessible, could compromise the safety benefits that distinguish it, exposing users to phishing schemes and other malicious attacks. As a result, passkey sharing may be actively discouraged or limited to a family group established within the passkey manager.
to know more: Password Manager