Passkey Overview
Passkeys are a secure, digital credential that replace vulnerable passwords with a pair of cryptographic keys. One key is public and stored on the server and the other is private and stored securely on a user’s device; this means no one (website, app or user) can see the encrypted key. During the authentication process, Bluetooth® communication allows users to confirm their identity via a mobile device with a fingerprint, face scan or PIN. This FIDO2 authentication credential provides passwordless sign-ins to online services and enterprise applications, giving users the convenience they want with the security they deserve.
Bolstered Security Measures
Organizations supporting passkeys like Google, Microsoft and Apple have been developing and deploying their passkey solution since the technology was introduced by FIDO Alliance two years ago, and the results have been promising with multi-platform passkey support for consumer accounts. On the workforce side, passkeys hold immense value in adding a layer of phishing-resistant authentication to the employee verification process across the digital ecosystem.
Enterprise Scalability
Another huge draw of passkeys is the fact that they offer scalable architecture for both small businesses and large enterprises. Passkey users do not need to enroll from scratch on each new device or service – their passkeys will be available to use in any location and at any time. Moreover, passkeys are adaptable to evolving security standards, can integrate additional authentication methods, be implemented across various applications, and support expanding user bases.
Improved User Experience
Once teams are trained in the passkey technology, they can easily navigate workflows with intuitive methods like biometrics and PINs. Regularly surveying their users, Google has reported that 63% of users find passkeys easier to use and 62% feel more secure with passkeys². Since passkeys are securely synced across accounts and devices, this continuity of authentication enhances user flexibility, enabling employees to seamlessly transition between devices while maintaining secure access to their accounts and systems.
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Passkey FAQ
What is a passkey?
Passkeys are a user-friendly and phishing-resistant alternative to passwords, and they are a cryptographic key pair.
How does passkey authentication work?
One key is stored publicly (on the app, service or website) and the other key is stored privately (on the user’s device). These keys communicate with one another to authenticate users and to initiate this authentication users simply unlock their device with biometric or screen verification.
What is the difference between a synced and device-bound passkey?
Synced passkeys live on a computer, tablet or a smartphone, and they can be copied and shared across multiple devices. Device-bound passkeys, on the other hand, reside on a dedicated piece of hardware, such as a USB or NFC FIDO2 security key.
What is the difference between a passkey and a mobile wallet credential?
Passkeys are a cryptographic key pair (public and private) used for secure authentication without traditional usernames and passwords while mobile credentials refer to digital access badges that are issued by third party providers and utilize either the BLE or NFC technology, with NFC mobile credentials stored in digital wallets (e.g. Apple, Google or Samsung Wallet). A mobile wallet credential can be a passkey if used in conjunction with the ConvergeID™ platform as it is a type of digital credential.
Despite the advantages, why have passkeys not seen widespread adoption?
Significant challenges still remain in using passkeys in enterprise environments, mostly surrounding user on-boarding, off-boarding, management, and handling of shared devices and shared accounts. ConvergeID™ addresses these issues and makes passkeys easy to deploy and scale for enterprises.
How are passkeys deployed in an enterprise?
Passkey implementation should adhere to the unique needs of an organization and its security ecosystem. Our ConvergeID™ Passwordless Platform offers the synced passkey solution by binding to the user’s existing physical access credential and can be enrolled in FIDO2 security keys via a seamless process within the administration panel. The barrier to enterprise adoption is virtually eliminated with this solution because nearly every worker has a proximity or contactless card, or a mobile credential on a smartphone.
Which industries can passkey solutions be deployed in to improve security, user experience and address regulatory or MFA requirements?
Passkeys can address a variety of pain points across industries including Enterprises, Manufacturing, Financial Institutions and Retail/Hospitality.
How do passkeys meet compliance standards?
Passkeys comply with various regulatory requirements including AAL2 levels of authentication in common compliance programs such as ISO 27001, PCI, HIPAA and SOC 2. Passkeys also meet the regulatory requirements of the Revised Payment Services Directive (PSD2) and meet various MFA and passwordless authentication mandates that are prevalent across the industry these days.
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Read the Blog1. https://fidoalliance.org/statistics-sources/
2. 2024. Aligning Authentication Experiences with Business Goals [Webinar]. [Online]. FIDO Alliance, June 18, 2024,
3. DBIR report 2022 - summary of findings. Verizon Business. (n.d.)
4. Poller, Jack. (2023). Passwordless in the Enterprise. Enterprise Strategy Group by TechTarget.