How Does WebAuthn Differ From Passkeys?

How Does WebAuthn Differ From Passkeys?#

WebAuthn is a web security protocol developed by the FIDO Alliance, designed to enable secure, passwordless authentication on the web. Passkeys, on the other hand, are a specific implementation of WebAuthn that focuses on providing a user-friendly, secure authentication method by replacing traditional passwords with cryptographic keys stored on a user’s device.

Key Differences#

• WebAuthn is the broader protocol; passkeys are a specific application of that protocol.
• WebAuthn can support multiple authentication methods, including hardware security keys; passkeys
• Passkeys aim to enhance user experience by simplifying the authentication process, while WebAuthn provides the underlying framework for various passwordless solutions.

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Understanding WebAuthn and Passkeys#

WebAuthn (Web Authentication) is a web standard published by the W3C and supported by major browsers. It enables strong, phishing-resistant authentication by allowing users to sign in with a cryptographic key pair, rather than a password. WebAuthn was developed by the FIDO Alliance (Fast Identity Online) and is a key component of their broader FIDO2 project, which aims to reduce the reliance on passwords.

Passkeys are a technology based on the WebAuthn standard, designed to further simplify the user experience while maintaining high security. Passkeys work by generating and storing a unique cryptographic key pair on a user’s device - typically in hardware security module like the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) or Secure Enclave. When a user attempts to sign in, the website or service sends a challenge, which is signed by the private key stored on the user’s device. This signed challenge is then sent back and verified by the service using the public key.

Differences and Implications#

• WebAuthn's flexibility: WebAuthn supports multiple types of authenticators, including external hardware security keys (like YubiKeys), biometric devices, and passkeys stored on a user’s device.
• Passkeys for convenience: Passkeys are specifically designed to replace traditional passwords and provide a seamless authentication experience. They can be used with a user’s device, meaning users don't need to remember a password or carry an external hardware security keys.
• Adoption: While WebAuthn is a versatile protocol used by various industries, passkeys are increasingly being adopted for consumer-facing applications where ease of use is crucial.

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