Why Passkeys Are Replacing MFA

For years, we've been told the same thing: create a strong password and turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA). It's still good advice, but technology has evolved to passkeys.

If you've seen the option to "Sign in with a passkey" and wondered what it means, you're not alone. Here's why security experts are encouraging people and businesses to make the switch.

What Is MFA?

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security after you enter your password.

For example, after typing your password, you might:

• Enter a six-digit code from an authenticator app

• Approve a notification on your phone

• Receive a text message with a verification code

This extra step makes it harder for criminals to access your account if they steal your password. For many years, MFA has been one of the best ways to protect online accounts.

What Is a Passkey?

A passkey lets you sign in without creating or remembering a password.

Instead, your device verifies it's really you using something you already use every day:

• Your fingerprint

• Face recognition

• Your device PIN

Behind the scenes, your phone or computer uses advanced encryption to prove your identity without ever sending a password across the internet. The private credential never leaves your device, making it far more difficult for attackers to steal.

The result?

A faster login that's also more secure.

Why Are Passkeys Better Than Traditional MFA?

1. No Password to Steal

Most cyberattacks begin with stolen passwords. Whether a password is guessed, leaked in a data breach, or reused from another website, it's often the weakest part of account security. With passkeys, there isn't a traditional password for criminals to capture or reuse. Instead, authentication relies on a unique cryptographic key stored securely on your device.

2. They're Much Harder to Phish

Phishing emails and fake login pages trick people into typing their usernames, passwords, and MFA codes. Passkeys work differently. They're tied to the legitimate website you're trying to visit. If someone creates a fake website that looks identical to your bank or email provider, your passkey simply won't work there. That makes passkeys one of the strongest defenses against phishing attacks available today.

3. They're Easier to Use

Most people have experienced the frustration of:

• Waiting for a text message that never arrives

• Opening an authenticator app to copy a code

• Approving repeated login prompts

With passkeys, you simply unlock your device with your fingerprint, face, or PIN. No passwords to remember, codes to type, or extra apps to open.

4. They're Built for Modern Devices

Microsoft, Apple, Google, and many major websites now support passkeys.

If you already unlock your phone with Face ID, Touch ID, Android fingerprint recognition, or Windows Hello, you're already familiar with the experience.

As more companies adopt passkeys, logging into your accounts will become more simple and safe.

Does This Mean MFA Is Obsolete?

Not at all.

Traditional MFA is still far better than using only a password, especially when using an

authenticator app instead of text messages.

However, when a service supports passkeys, they often provide an even stronger level of protection while making the login process easier. Because passkeys combine possession of your trusted device with biometric or PIN verification, they effectively provide multiple layers of authentication in one seamless step.

Should Your Business Start Using Passkeys?

Definitely. Cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to steal passwords through phishing emails, fake login pages, and other scams. Every password your employees no longer have to create, remember, or type is one less opportunity for attackers.

Many business applications (including Microsoft, Google, Adobe, and others) already support passkeys, and that list continues to grow.

What if Your Device Is Stolen?

A stolen device does not automatically mean a stolen account. In many cases, passkeys are still safer than passwords.

Here's why.

Your Device Isn't Enough

A passkey is stored securely on your phone, tablet, or computer, but simply having the device isn't enough to use it.

The thief would also need to unlock your device using one of the following:

• Your fingerprint

• Your face

• Your device PIN or passcode

Without that second step, the passkey remains inaccessible.

Think of it like having a key locked inside a safe. Stealing the safe doesn't mean you can get the key.

Your Device Can Be Locked or Wiped

If your phone or laptop is stolen, you can usually:

• Lock it remotely

• Mark it as lost

• Erase all its contents remotely

Microsoft's Find My Device, Google's Find My Device, and Apple's Find My Phone all provide these capabilities, making it difficult for a thief to access your stored credentials.

Compare That to Passwords

Imagine you have a password written in a notebook, or saved in a browser without additional protection.

If someone gets access to it, they can potentially log in from anywhere in the world.

A passkey doesn't work that way. It's tied to your trusted device and the legitimate website it was created for. It can't simply be copied and used on another computer.

What If They Know My PIN?

If someone steals your phone and knows your device PIN or can unlock it with your fingerprint or face, then they may be able to use the passkeys stored on that device.

That's why it's still important to:

• Use a strong device passcode (avoid simple codes like 1234 or your birthday).

• Enable biometric authentication when available.

• Report a lost or stolen device immediately and use remote lock or erase features.

• Keep your operating system updated.

No security solution is perfect, but passkeys significantly reduce the risks associated with stolen passwords and phishing attacks.

For someone to compromise a passkey-protected account, they generally need both:

1. Your physical device.

2. The ability to unlock that device.

With a traditional password, an attacker may only need to trick you into typing it into a fake website or obtain it from a data breach. That's a much lower bar.

The Bottom Line

Passwords have protected our online accounts for decades, but they're no longer the safest or simplest option.

Passkeys represent the next generation of account security by removing passwords from the equation, making logins easier for users while dramatically reducing the risk of phishing and credential theft.

If your favorite apps and business software offer the option to create a passkey, it's worth taking advantage of it. It's one of the simplest steps you can take today to make your digital life and your business more secure.

If you have questions about your company's level of security, give ITS a call. We can provide you with a free assessment: 970-255-0480.