The Rise of Passkeys: A Passwordless Future is Within Reach

The era of passwords is undeniably coming to an end. Cybercriminals are acutely aware of this, escalating attacks with increasing ferocity. Microsoft says password attacks have doubled since last year (now 7,000 password attacks per second) and adversary-in-the-middle phishing attacks have surged by a concerning 146%.

Fortunately, a superior solution is emerging: passkeys.

Advantages of Passkeys Over Passwords

Passkeys offer several significant advantages over traditional passwords:

  • Enhanced Security: Passkeys are inherently more secure than passwords. They are highly resistant to phishing attacks, data breaches, and credential stuffing, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
  • Improved User Experience: Passkeys streamline the sign-in process, enabling users to authenticate quickly and easily using biometric methods like facial recognition, fingerprint scans, or simple PINs. This enhances user satisfaction and improves productivity.
  • Reduced Support Burden: Passkeys eliminate the frustration of forgotten passwords and the need for password resets, significantly reducing the volume of IT support tickets and freeing up valuable resources.
  • Increased Efficiency: Streamlined authentication processes contribute to increased operational efficiency across the organization.
illustration of a lock surrounded by digital keys

Growing Passkey Adoption

The adoption of passkeys has been accelerating rapidly. The FIDO Alliance recently reported a 50% increase in passkey awareness, with 57% of users familiar with the technology in 2024 compared to 39% in 2022.

Microsoft, recognizing the critical need for a passwordless future, has made it a priority to drive passkey adoption among its billion-plus users. “The password era is ending,” Microsoft states, “and bad actors know it, which is why they’re desperately accelerating password-related attacks while they still can.”

Microsoft has implemented a three-step strategy to achieve widespread passkey adoption:

  1. Start Small: Begin with simple, user-friendly options for passkey enrollment and authentication.
  2. Experiment: Test different approaches to encourage user adoption, such as proactive nudges and personalized messaging.
  3. Scale: Gradually expand passkey availability and promote their use across all relevant platforms and services.
digital illustration of a hand with pen writing the word passkey on a transparent computer screen

The Path Forward

The results have been promising:

  • Signing in with a passkey is three times faster than using a traditional password and eight times faster than a password and traditional MFA.
  • Users are three times more successful signing in with passkeys than with passwords (98% versus 32%).
  • 99% of users who start the passkey registration flow complete it.

Microsoft emphasizes that simply enrolling in passkeys is not enough. To truly achieve a passwordless future, it’s crucial to eliminate passwords entirely from accounts. The company has already made significant strides in this direction, allowing millions of users to delete their passwords and rely solely on alternative authentication methods.

Passkeys enhance security by tying account access to the physical device being used, which is protected by biometric access and a device-specific PIN. This makes them significantly more secure than traditional 2FA methods, which often rely on SMS messages that can be intercepted by malicious software.

As passkey adoption continues to grow, we can expect a significant shift towards a more secure and user-friendly online experience. By embracing this technology, individuals and organizations can enhance their security posture, improve user experience, and streamline operations.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Read more

computer security code

AI: The Double-Edged Sword for Your Business

Navigating the complex world of AI can be daunting, but partnering with the right IT team can streamline the process. Lightway Solutions offers expert guidance to help businesses like yours leverage AI’s potential while mitigating risks. Our team can assist with AI tool selection, data security, and strategic planning, ensuring a seamless transition and maximizing your return on investment.

Read More »

Privacy Policy

© Lightway Solutions 2025