To help remember multiple passwords, users turn to password managers, which use one master password or key to pull the correct password from a database to authenticate the login for the website or application. Reusing passwords can present security issues because once bad actors get one password, they can access various accounts using the same credentials. One of the main problems with passwords is remembering multiple passwords and not reusing them. To protect data, businesses should implement password policies, including guidelines for strong passwords and a timeframe for updating regularly. Passwords can vary in length and can also contain special characters, letters and numbers. Passwords should be unique and only known to the user. They are typically used together with a username. Each key is unique and created with encrypted data for added security - think of a digital version of a keycard.Ī password uses a string of characters used for identification during sign-on. Passkeys were created with the Web Authentication API security standard that uses public key cryptography for access. Users can scan the QR code from their phone and use their Face ID or Touch ID to sign in from another nearby device. The passkey works on a person's device, so users can't use passkey functions on another device without a QR code. The authentication requires either biometric authentication - such as a fingerprint or facial recognition - or a PIN or swipe pattern used with Androids for access. Passkeys are a new type of login credential that removes the need for passwords. passwords to help prepare for this change. However, there are some key differences between passkeys vs. Moving to a passwordless future is underway. Passkeys are an alternative that reduces data breaches and other security vulnerabilities.

Passwords have security issues - such as breaches, phishing and stolen identities - and can be an inconvenience to users as they have to remember several passwords. Apple and Google are updating their phone software and web browsers toward the end of 2022 to use passkey technology.

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