A passkey is a “passwordless” login. You may have seen Google, Apple, or Microsoft asking you to setup your passkey.
Here’s a quick explanation of how they work:
Instead of typing in a password, you use something you already have, like your fingerprint, face recognition, or a device you trust (like your phone or computer).
When you set up a passkey, your device creates a special, one-of-a-kind digital key that’s unique to you and that website. This key stays on your device and never gets shared, making it much harder to steal.
The next time you need to log in, you just use your fingerprint, face, or trusted device instead of a password.
BONUS: You might see FIDO when you set up your passkey. FIDO (Fast IDentity Online) Alliance is an organization that works on “passwordless” technology and establishes standards for organizations to follow.