What are the main integration options for passkeys?

Q: What are the main integration options for passkeys?

Passkeys can be integrated using four methods: Passkey Button, Identifier-First, Password + Passkey, and Cross-Device Authentication First. Each offers unique benefits and challenges, such as simplicity, enhanced security, or broader device support, tailored to enterprise needs.

Main Passkey Integration Options#

We recently published about passkey integration options for enterprises that provides more insights about the pros, cons and adoption impact of the passkey integration. You can download the passkey integration whitepaper for free.

Passkeys can be integrated into enterprise authentication systems using four primary methods, each with distinct benefits and challenges:

1. Passkey Button Approach#

Adds a "Continue with Passkey" button to the login screen.

Benefits: Simple implementation, maintains existing login flow.
Challenges: May result in lower passkey usage as it requires user action.
Example: Australia's myGov portal.

2. Identifier-First Approach#

Users enter their email/username first. The system checks for a registered passkey and prompts for biometric authentication if available.

Benefits: Seamless UX, higher adoption rates, reduced SMS OTP costs.
Challenges: Potential for account enumeration risks, requiring mitigation strategies like bot management.
Example: Google's passkey implementation

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3. Password + Passkey Method#

Combines passkeys as a second authentication factor after password entry.

Benefits: Enhanced security and gradual user transition.
Challenges: Additional steps may increase friction.

4. Cross-Device Authentication (CDA) First#

Supports passkey usage via mobile devices or security keys for cross-device authentication.

Benefits: Enables passkey usage on non-supportive devices.
Challenges: Increased technical complexity and user education requirements.

Choose the method that best aligns with your enterprise’s security and user experience objectives.

Read the full article#

About Corbado

Corbado is the Authentication Intelligence Platform for CIAM teams running consumer authentication at scale. We help you see what IDP logs and generic analytics tools can't: where passkeys, passwords, OTP, social login and fallback journeys succeed, stall or fail, which devices and browsers create friction, and when an OS update silently breaks login. Two products: Corbado Observe layers process mining and observability across authentication journeys. Corbado Connect adds managed passkeys with analytics built in alongside your IDP. VicRoads runs passkeys for 5M+ users with Corbado (+80% passkey activation). Talk to a Passkey Expert →