Passwords have protected our online accounts for a long time. But cyber attacks keep getting smarter, and the industry is shifting toward passkeys. Knowing how both work helps you make better choices about your own security.
What Makes a Strong Password?
A strong password is long (at least 12 characters), combines uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoids common words or personal information. The best passwords are random strings that have no meaning - which is why password generators exist.
However, even strong passwords have weaknesses. They can be stolen in data breaches, guessed through phishing attacks, or intercepted on unsecured networks. And because humans struggle to remember random strings, many people reuse passwords across multiple sites - a major security risk.
What Is a Passkey?
A passkey is a digital credential that replaces passwords entirely. Instead of typing a password, you authenticate using your device's built-in security - such as fingerprint, face recognition, or a device PIN. The passkey is stored on your device and never shared with the website.
Passkeys use public-key cryptography. When you create a passkey, your device generates a pair of cryptographic keys: one public (stored by the website) and one private (kept on your device). Authentication happens by proving you possess the private key - without ever revealing it.
Key Differences
Security: Passwords can be stolen, phished, or cracked. Passkeys cannot be phished because there is no password to steal. Even if a website is breached, attackers only get the public key - useless without the private key on your device.
Convenience: Passwords require you to remember and type them. Passkeys use biometrics - a fingerprint or face scan is all you need. No typing, no remembering.
Recovery: If you forget a password, you can reset it via email. If you lose your passkey device, recovery depends on your account's backup options - which vary by service.
Which Should You Use?
For now, the best approach is to use both. Set strong, unique passwords for accounts that do not yet support passkeys, and enable passkeys wherever available. Use a password manager to keep track of your passwords, and take advantage of two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security.
Authentication is shifting toward passkeys, but the transition will take time. For now, strong passwords are still what keep your accounts safe.