Passkeys are built on public-key cryptography. This means your login credentials never leave your device, making them immune to phishing and data breaches. Even if a hacker gains access to a website’s database, there is nothing useful to steal. Passkeys rely on something you physically possess, such as your device or biometric data, which makes them much harder to compromise.

For users, passkeys eliminate the need to remember passwords or reset them regularly. They sync across devices using cloud services like iCloud, Google or Microsoft accounts. This allows seamless access from phones, tablets and laptops. For businesses, passkeys reduce support requests, improve compliance and strengthen overall security posture. They are not just a convenience but a significant upgrade in digital identity protection.

Many small businesses assume passkeys are only for large enterprises. That is not the case. Passkeys are built into most modern devices and platforms, making them accessible to teams of any size. If your staff use Microsoft 365, Google Workspace or other SaaS tools, you can start using passkeys today without additional hardware or software.

Even if employees do not have mobile phones, passkeys can still be deployed. Windows Hello for Business allows sign-in using PINs, facial recognition or fingerprint scanners on compatible desktops and laptops. FIDO2 security keys, such as YubiKeys, offer a physical alternative for shared workstations or desk-based roles. With proper setup, passkeys can be used securely across multiple users and devices, making them ideal for flexible work environments.

Setting up passkeys is straightforward. Most major platforms support them and offer simple steps to get started.

Apple Devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac):

• Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Passwords and Keychain
• Enable iCloud Keychain
• When prompted in Safari, tap "Save a Passkey"

Google Account:

• Visit https://g.co/passkeys
• Sign in and click "Create a passkey"
• Use fingerprint, face ID or screen lock to complete setup

Microsoft Account:

• Go to https://myaccount.microsoft.com
• Click "Security Info"
• Add a sign-in method and choose "Passkey (preview)"

Amazon:

• Navigate to Account > Login and Security
• Select the Passkey option
• Register your device for biometric login

Password Managers (1Password, Bitwarden):

• Visit a supported site
• Sign in as usual
• Save a passkey instead of a password

These steps take only a few minutes and provide long-term benefits. Once set up, you can log in quickly and securely without ever typing a password again.