What Can Passkeys Be Used For?

What Can Passkeys Be Used For?#

Passkeys can be used for secure user authentication, signing digital transactions, and, in the future, encryption with the WebAuthn PRF extension.

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Passkeys are a versatile tool that is revolutionizing digital security. Initially, their primary use was in authentication, offering a more secure alternative to traditional passwords. Instead of relying on passwords, which can be weak or compromised, passkeys use public-private key pairs to authenticate users. This method is resistant to phishing and other common cyberattacks, making it ideal for securing sensitive user data.

Applications of Passkeys#

• User Authentication: The most common use of passkeys is for user authentication. Developers can integrate passkeys into apps, websites, or other digital platforms to provide users with a passwordless login experience. This not only simplifies the login process but also significantly boosts security.

• Signing Digital Transactions: Passkeys can also be used to sign digital transactions securely. Whether it's approving a financial transaction or verifying the integrity of a document, passkeys ensure that the transaction is both secure and authenticated by the rightful owner. This capability is especially valuable in fintech applications where security is paramount.

• Encryption with WebAuthn PRF Extension: In the near future, passkeys are expected to be used for encryption purposes through the PRF (Pseudorandom Function) extension. This will allow developers to leverage passkeys not just for authentication and signing but also for encrypting data, adding another layer of security to their applications.

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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 →