How Passkeys Use Public-Key Cryptography for Phishing-Resistant Sign-In
Summary
A nontechnical explainer describes how passkeys use service-specific public and private keys, with a device unlock as an additional identity proof. It also promotes Iru Identity’s device-bound passkeys for managed Macs.
Key points
- Passkeys use a private key on the user’s device to sign a nonce; the service uses the paired public key to validate the signature.
- The article says passkeys are specific to the service where they are registered, helping make them resistant to phishing.
- It describes passkeys as MFA: the passkey is one proof, and unlocking it with biometrics or a device PIN or pattern is another.
- The article says passkeys avoid transmitting a password and reduce password reuse and reset concerns.
- Iru says its Identity product binds passkeys to a managed Mac, without requiring a separate app or hardware token.
Article Details
- Topic
- How passkeys use public-key cryptography and device-bound multi-factor authentication to provide phishing-resistant sign-in.