Cybersecurity is evolving, and one of the biggest shifts in recent years is the move toward passwordless authentication. Traditional passwords have long been a weak link, susceptible to phishing, credential stuffing, and brute force attacks. In 2022, Apple, Google, and Microsoft introduced passkeys—passwordless login solutions designed to improve both security and user experience. But while passkeys offer significant advantages, they also introduce new considerations and potential vulnerabilities.
The Rise of Passkeys
Passwords have been a major pain point for both users and organizations. They are frequently reused, forgotten, and easily stolen through phishing scams. Passkeys aim to eliminate these issues by leveraging cryptographic authentication, typically tied to biometric data or a physical device. This means no passwords to remember, reset, or be stolen in a phishing attack.
There are two types of passkeys:
Device-Bound Passkeys: These remain on a specific device and do not sync to the cloud. This provides a strong layer of protection, as hackers cannot access the passkey unless they have physical access to the device.
Synced Passkeys: These are stored in the cloud and accessible across multiple devices. While convenient, they introduce additional risks. If an attacker gains access to a user’s Apple, Google, or Microsoft account, they could potentially access all synced passkeys, making a breach far more damaging.
Are Synced Passkeys a Security Risk?
While synced passkeys offer seamless authentication across devices, they also raise concerns. If an attacker compromises a cloud account, they could access sensitive data across all linked devices. Additionally, social engineering attacks remain a threat—hackers can trick users into approving malicious login requests, bypassing authentication safeguards.
Inconsistent login prompts across various platforms also pose a usability challenge. Users may unknowingly approve access to malicious requests, further increasing the risk of breaches.
A Safer Alternative: Device-Bound Passkeys
To mitigate these risks, RSA has developed RSA ID Plus, a device-bound passkey solution that enhances security by ensuring credentials remain locked to a specific device. Unlike synced passkeys, this method significantly reduces the risk of a widespread compromise, even if a hacker gains access to cloud accounts.
The Business Case for Passwordless Security
Beyond security, the shift to passwordless authentication offers numerous business advantages. Organizations adopting passkeys can:
Reduce IT Costs: With fewer password-related issues, IT support teams spend less time handling password resets and security incidents.
Improve User Experience: Users no longer need to remember complex passwords, leading to smoother and more efficient logins.
Enhance Compliance: Many industries require stringent security measures, and passwordless authentication aligns with regulations like GDPR and NIST.
Minimize Downtime: Cyberattacks often lead to business disruptions. Strengthening authentication reduces the chances of account takeovers and data breaches, keeping operations running smoothly.
Making the Transition Securely
Adopting a passwordless future requires careful planning. ServiceIT+ specializes in helping organizations transition smoothly and securely, ensuring that no security gaps are left unaddressed. Our tailored solutions provide the right balance of security and convenience, allowing businesses to implement passkey authentication without exposing themselves to unnecessary risks.
Take Control of Your Security Today
Passwordless security is here to stay, but not all implementations are created equal. While passkeys eliminate traditional password vulnerabilities, synced passkeys can introduce new risks. The most secure approach is to adopt device-bound passkeys, keeping authentication credentials under your direct control.
With RSA ID Plus and ServiceIT+, you can embrace the future of authentication without compromising security. Don’t leave your organization exposed—lock down your access today with the most secure passwordless solutions available.
