Embrace the Future of Security: Why You Should Upgrade to Passkeys Today
- John W. Harmon, PhD
- Feb 15
- 4 min read
In a world where cyber threats grow more sophisticated every day, relying on traditional passwords is no longer enough to protect your sensitive information. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) face increasing risks from data breaches and account takeovers, often caused by weak or reused passwords. The good news is that security technology is evolving, offering better ways to safeguard your digital life. One of the most promising advances is the use of passkeys, a modern alternative that can replace passwords entirely and provide stronger protection with less hassle.
This post explores why upgrading to passkeys is the smartest move you can make to secure your accounts, how they work, and practical steps to implement them. Along the way, you’ll also find tips to strengthen your overall security posture.
Why Passwords Alone Are No Longer Enough
Passwords have been the cornerstone of online security for decades. Yet, they come with serious limitations:
Weak or reused passwords are easy targets for hackers using brute force or credential stuffing attacks.
People often forget complex passwords, leading to risky behaviors like writing them down or using simple, guessable ones.
Passwords can be stolen through phishing scams or data breaches.
Establishing a strong password baseline is essential. This means creating unique, complex passwords for every account and never reusing them. However, even the strongest password is vulnerable if it’s the only layer of protection.
Adding a Second Layer: Multifactor Authentication
To improve security, many experts recommend enabling multifactor authentication (MFA). MFA requires two forms of verification to log in:
Something you know (your password)
Something you have (a phone, email, or hardware token)
For example, after entering your password, you might receive a one-time code on your phone to complete the login. This extra step makes it much harder for attackers to access your accounts, even if they have your password.
Security specialist Velasquez advises enabling MFA immediately and warns never to share your MFA codes with anyone. This simple practice can block many common hacking attempts.
Biometric authentication on a smartphone offers a secure and convenient way to protect your accounts.
The Best Option: Upgrading to Passkeys
Passkeys represent the next step in digital security. They eliminate the need for passwords altogether by using biometric data or device-based authentication. Here’s how passkeys work:
Instead of typing a password, you unlock your account using your fingerprint, Face ID, or a PIN on your device.
Passkeys are unique cryptographic keys stored securely on your device.
When you log in, your device verifies your identity and sends a secure token to the service, confirming it’s really you.
This method offers several advantages:
Stronger security: Passkeys cannot be guessed, stolen, or reused like passwords.
User-friendly: No need to remember or type complex passwords.
Phishing-resistant: Since passkeys are tied to your device, attackers cannot trick you into revealing them.
Velasquez recommends enabling passkeys wherever possible to achieve the highest level of protection.
Practical Steps to Upgrade Your Security
If you want to move beyond passwords and MFA, here’s how to start using passkeys:
Check device compatibility: Most modern smartphones, tablets, and computers support passkeys through platforms like Apple’s iCloud Keychain, Google Password Manager, or Microsoft Authenticator.
Enable passkeys on supported services: Many popular websites and apps now offer passkey login options. Look for settings under security or login preferences.
Keep your device secure: Since passkeys rely on your device’s biometric or PIN security, ensure your device is protected with a strong lock screen.
Backup your passkeys: Use cloud backup options provided by your device to avoid losing access if your device is lost or damaged.
Additional Tips to Protect Your Online Accounts
Beyond upgrading to passkeys, experts suggest these habits to keep your accounts safe:
Remove linked third-party apps: Over time, you may have connected your accounts to various apps and games. These connections can create vulnerabilities. Regularly audit and remove any apps you no longer use or recognize.
Adopt a skeptical mindset: Always question unexpected requests for information or access, even if they seem legitimate. Phishing attacks often rely on social engineering.
Keep software updated: Regularly update your operating system, browsers, and apps to patch security flaws that hackers might exploit.
Setting up passkeys on your laptop enhances security and simplifies login processes.
What SMBs Gain by Switching to Passkeys
For small and medium-sized businesses, security breaches can be costly and damaging to reputation. Upgrading to passkeys offers:
Reduced risk of account compromise: Stronger authentication means fewer successful attacks.
Simplified user experience: Employees spend less time managing passwords and more time on productive work.
Lower IT support costs: Fewer password reset requests and security incidents reduce helpdesk workload.
Future-proof security: Passkeys align with industry trends and standards, preparing your business for evolving threats.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Passwords have served us for years but come with significant risks and inconveniences. Multifactor authentication improves security but still depends on passwords. Passkeys offer a better way by combining strong protection with ease of use.
Start by establishing a strong password baseline and enabling MFA today. Then explore passkey options on your devices and services. This layered approach will help you protect your business and personal accounts from cyber threats.
Security is a journey, not a destination. Upgrading to passkeys is a smart step forward that makes your digital life safer and simpler. Take action now to embrace the future of security.
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