A new tech initiative aims to provide relief from the burden of managing numerous unique passwords. The “FIDO Alliance” has formed a groundbreaking passwordless login system called passkeys, which uses biometric authentication or device PINs to grant access.
The current password management system is flawed and vulnerable, with over 80% of data breaches occurring due to weak passwords. Traditional passwords are a weak link in cybersecurity, and even solutions like two-factor authentication have limitations.
Passkeys, on the other hand, provide convenience, security, and resistance to phishing attacks. They rely on a pair of virtual keys stored on the user’s device and a server, which are matched during login to grant access. This system is resistant to breaches, as biometric data and private keys never leave the device.
Major companies like Apple, Google, and Mastercard are adopting passkeys, signaling broad industry support. The FIDO Alliance expects rapid growth in adoption over the next year, driven by industry momentum and the increasing imperative to address password vulnerabilities.
However, challenges persist, such as limited cross-platform compatibility and biometric-based passkeys not being ideal for shared accounts. Despite these hurdles, the industry remains optimistic about passkeys becoming the norm. The FIDO Alliance’s executive director believes that the growing number of companies joining the initiative demonstrates the urgency of solving the password problem.
As the passwordless movement gains traction, it is clear that a fresh start is needed to address the root problem of weak passwords. With widespread support anticipated in the near future, passkeys are set to revolutionize the way we log in online.
Source: https://caliber.az/en/post/forgot-your-password-new-initiative-races-to-replace-cybersecurity-gaps