Are Passkeys Like a Password Manager?

Are Passkeys Like a Password Manager?#

Passkeys are similar to password managers in that they store and manage login credentials, but they do so without using traditional passwords. Instead, passkeys utilize cryptographic keys for user authentication, providing a more secure and seamless experience.

Passkeys store and manage credentials without traditional passwords.
They enhance security by using cryptographic keys.
Unlike password managers, passkeys eliminate the risk of password-related attacks.

Passkeys are often compared to password managers because they both aim to streamline the login process and enhance security. However, passkeys take this concept further by eliminating passwords entirely. While traditional password managers store encrypted passwords that users must enter manually or auto-fill into login forms, passkeys use a pair of cryptographic keys - one public and one private.

How Passkeys Work#

Private Key: Stored securely on the user’s device, this key never leaves the device.
Public Key: Stored on the server, it is used to verify the user’s identity when they attempt to log in.

When a user logs into a service using passkeys, the private key on their device creates a digital signature that the server verifies using the public key. If the signatures match, the user is authenticated. This process happens behind the scenes, providing a seamless experience for the user.

Security Advantages#

No Passwords: Since passkeys do not rely on traditional passwords, they are immune to phishing attacks, password leaks, and other password-related vulnerabilities.
Biometric Integration: Passkeys often integrate with biometric authentication (like Face ID or fingerprint scanning), adding an additional layer of security.
Cross-Device Syncing: Modern passkey implementations, such as those on iCloud Keychain, allow users to sync their credentials across multiple devices securely.

Key Differences from Password Managers#

Elimination of Passwords: Password managers store and manage passwords; passkeys eliminate the need for passwords altogether.
Security Model: Passkeys rely on public-key cryptography, making them inherently more secure than passwords.
User Experience: Passkeys simplify the login process, as users often authenticate using biometrics or device-based authentication methods.

In summary, while passkeys share some similarities with password managers, they represent a significant advancement in user authentication, focusing on security and user convenience without the pitfalls associated with passwords.

About Corbado

Corbado is the Passkey Intelligence Platform for CIAM teams running consumer authentication at scale. We help you see what IDP logs and generic analytics tools can't: which devices, OS versions, browsers and credential managers support passkeys, why enrollments don't turn into logins, where the WebAuthn flow fails and when an OS / browser update silently breaks login, all without replacing Okta, Auth0, Ping, Cognito or your in-house IDP. Two products: Corbado Observe layers observability for passkeys and any other login method. 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 →