Passkey: Definition, History, Benefits, Advantages and Disadvantages

What is a Passkey?

In general, a passkey is a code or password that is required to open access to a system or service. For example, in everyday use, a passkey can refer to a physical key used to open a door or access a certain room. However, in the digital era like today, a passkey more often refers to a password or digital access code used for user authentication.

By implementing a passkey, users are required to enter the correct code or password as an authentication process. This ensures that only users with the right authorization can gain the desired access.

In the world of information technology, a passkey is one of the most important mechanisms in maintaining data and system security. Without the right passkey, the risk of information leakage or misuse of facilities can increase significantly. Therefore, it is important for every organization or individual to ensure the use of strong and secure passkeys as part of their security strategy.

History of Passkey

A passkey, as an alternative to a password, is an authentication method that can be traced back to the early history of computer use. However, to provide further context, we can look at the evolution of authentication and security in computing:

1. The Simple Password

The basic concept of using a password has been around since the beginning of computing. It allows users to access systems or data in a relatively secure manner (although weak passwords can be a vulnerability).

2. Tokens and Access Codes

Initially, physical tokens such as access cards or special dongles were used in place of or in addition to passwords. This was an early form of what we now know as a passkey. Users would enter their password, and then use the token for additional authentication.

3. Passkeys and Authentication Codes

As technology has evolved, passkey has become a more commonly used term. A passkey can be a combination of numbers or characters that is unique to each user. Users would be required to enter their passkey along with their password in order to access a system or data.

4. Modern Use

Currently, passkeys or replacement keys are increasingly developing with technologies such as two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA), where in addition to passwords, users also need to provide additional information such as codes sent via text messages or authentication applications, fingerprints, or facial verification.

Benefits of Passkey

Of course, passkey is a technology that has benefits, including:

1. Easier login

Compared to entering long and complicated passwords, users can easily log into their accounts by entering a passkey, which may be a pattern, fingerprint, or other simpler method.

2. Cross-platform compatibility

Passkeys can often be used across platforms, meaning users can use them to log into different services and devices without having to change authentication methods.

3. No hassle memorizing passwords

Users do not need to remember complicated passwords or manage multiple passwords for various accounts. This reduces the risk of forgetting passwords and also eliminates the need to use passwords that are easy to guess.

4. Better security

Some types of passkeys, such as two-factor authentication using fingerprints or facial scans, can provide a higher level of security than passwords alone, because they are harder to hack or crack.

5. Better user experience

Passkeys can improve the user experience by providing a faster and more convenient authentication method, minimizing friction that can prevent users from easily accessing services or their devices.

Passkey Pros and Cons

Passkey Pros:

1. Ease of Use

Passkeys are often easier to use than other security methods such as physical keys or tokens. Users only need to remember one code or password to access various services.

2. High Security

With a fairly long and complex passkey, the level of security can be very high. This makes it difficult for unauthorized parties to guess or break the passkey.

3. Access Management

Passkeys allow administrators to easily manage user access. They can quickly assign or revoke access by changing the associated passkey.

Disadvantages of Passkeys

1. Risk of Forgetting

One of the main risks of passkeys is the possibility of users forgetting their code or password. If this happens, users can lose access to the desired system or service.

2. Brute Force Attacks

Although complex passkeys can be very difficult to guess, brute force attacks are still a potential threat. This attack involves trying the passkey combination over and over again until it works.

3. Phishing and Social Engineering

The use of passkeys does not completely protect against phishing or social engineering attacks. Fraudsters can still try to obtain passkeys by tricking users through social engineering or engineering.

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