How Do Passkeys Work?

How Do Passkeys Work?#

Passkeys work by replacing traditional passwords with cryptographic key pairs, providing a more secure and user-friendly method of authentication. This method eliminates the need for users to remember complex passwords, reducing the risk of phishing and other password-based attacks.

Passkeys replace traditional passwords with cryptographic key pairs for secure authentication.
They are more secure, reducing the risk of phishing and brute force attacks.
Passkeys offer seamless integration across devices and platforms.

Passkeys are an evolution in the way we authenticate ourselves online. Unlike traditional passwords, passkeys use public-private key cryptography, a system that has been proven to be far more secure. Here’s how it works:

How Passkeys Function#

Public-Private Key Pair: When you create a passkey, your device generates a key pair:
- The private key stays on your device and is never shared.
- The public key is stored on the server where you’re trying to authenticate.
Authentication Process: When you log in, your device uses the private key to sign a cryptographic challenge sent by the server.
Verification: The server then uses the public key to verify the signature. If they match, you’re authenticated.

Advantages of Using Passkeys#

Security: Passkeys eliminate the need for passwords, which are often the weakest link in security. Since the private key never leaves your device, it’s much harder for attackers to compromise your accounts.
User Experience: Passkeys simplify the login process, as users don’t need to remember or manage passwords. Biometrics or device PINs are typically used to unlock the private key, making authentication fast and user-friendly.
Cross-Platform Support: With broad support from industry giants like Apple, Google, and the FIDO Alliance, passkeys are becoming the standard for secure authentication across different platforms and devices.

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 →