A recent FIDO Alliance survey revealed that 36% of people had at least one online account compromised in the past year due to weak or stolen passwords. The research also highlighted an increasing awareness and adoption of passkeys, an alternative to traditional password authentication. Passkeys are cryptographic credentials that enhance security by using biometric sensors, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, instead of passwords. Around half of the world’s top 100 websites have integrated passkey support, and 75% of respondents are now aware of the technology.
FIDO’s report shows that 69% of people have enabled passkeys on at least one of their accounts, with 38% enabling it on all available accounts.
More than half of those aware of passkeys believe they provide better security and greater convenience than passwords. Passkeys are designed to be resistant to phishing and are far more secure than traditional passwords. They function only on registered websites and apps, preventing attackers from tricking users into authenticating on fraudulent sites.
Microsoft recently announced the availability of passkeys for all its consumer accounts, marking a significant shift away from relying on passwords. Users can now sign into their Microsoft accounts using a passkey via their face, fingerprint, or device PIN on Windows, Google, and Apple platforms. Microsoft emphasized that passwords are no longer enough to protect users’ online identities, making passkeys a more effective security solution.
As part of the ongoing effort to promote secure authentication methods, FIDO renamed World Password Day to World Passkey Day. The rebranding aims to encourage the global adoption of passkeys and reduce reliance on passwords. FIDO also launched the Passkey Pledge, with over 100 organizations committing to embracing passkeys and other modern authentication methods to prevent data breaches and account takeovers.
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