Are Synced Passkeys Secure Despite Being Stored in the Cloud?#
Yes, synced passkeys are highly secure, even though they rely on cloud storage. They
use end-to-end encryption, hardware security modules, and strong cryptographic
protections to prevent unauthorized access. Unlike traditional password-based
authentication, passkeys never expose sensitive credentials in transit or at rest.
Why Are Synced Passkeys Secure?#
1. End-to-End Encryption#
Synced passkeys are always encrypted before being stored in the cloud.
Even cloud providers (e.g., Apple, Google, Microsoft) cannot read the private key,
ensuring data privacy.
Encryption keys are securely managed using hardware-backed security modules.
2. Hardware-Based Authentication#
Passkeys are generated and stored within secure hardware modules, such as:
4. Protection Against Phishing & Credential Theft#
Even if an attacker gains access to cloud-stored passkeys, they cannot use them
without the user’s physical device.
Passkeys require biometric authentication (Face ID, Touch ID, Windows Hello) or a
device PIN, making remote credential theft nearly impossible.
5. Cloud Storage Enhances Security in Some Cases#
Automatic backup and recovery ensures users don’t lose access to their accounts,
reducing the need for weak backup methods like email-based
password resets.
Traditional passwords are often stored in plaintext or weakly hashed databases, making
them vulnerable to leaks.
Passkeys eliminate password reuse, reducing the impact of credential stuffing
attacks.
Are There Any Security Risks?#
While synced passkeys are extremely secure, a few considerations remain:
Cloud Account Compromise: If an attacker gains access to a user’s Apple, Google, or
Microsoft account, they
could attempt to misuse stored passkeys. However,
multi-factor authentication (MFA) and strong
device verification help prevent this.
Cross-Platform Limitations: Some ecosystems (e.g., Windows) do not natively support
passkey synchronization, requiring third-party password managers.
Conclusion#
Synced passkeys offer strong security, even when stored in the cloud. End-to-end
encryption, hardware-backed security, and phishing resistance make them far superior to
traditional passwords. While cloud account security remains important, passkeys are
designed to minimize risks, ensuring a safer authentication experience.
Read the full article#
Read the full article
Explore synced passkeys & device-bound passkey, their differences & learn about the role of hardware security modules (secure enclave, TEE, TPM).