---
url: 'https://www.corbado.com/faq/synced-passkeys-security-cloud'
title: 'Are synced passkeys secure despite being stored in cloud?'
description: 'Synced passkeys are highly secure despite being cloud-stored, thanks to end-to-end encryption and hardware-backed authentication.'
lang: 'en'
---

# Are synced passkeys secure despite being stored in cloud?

## 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:
    - **Secure Enclave** (Apple)
    - **Trusted Platform Module (TPM)** (Windows)
    - **Trusted Execution Environment (TEE)**
      ([Android](https://www.corbado.com/blog/how-to-enable-passkeys-android))
- These modules **prevent unauthorized key extraction**, making it impossible for
  attackers to steal passkeys from the cloud.

### 3. No Shared Secrets

- Unlike passwords, **passkeys do not store shared secrets** that attackers can reuse.
- Passkeys use **public-key cryptography**, where only the **public key** is sent to the
  authentication server.
- The **private key never leaves the user's device**, preventing credential theft.

### 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](https://www.corbado.com/faq/passkeys-reduce-password-resets-otp-costs).
- 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](https://www.corbado.com/blog/use-windows-11-without-windows-hello-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