Every business depends on secure systems. From protecting sensitive customer data to enabling teams to collaborate, authentication lies at the heart of digital security.

For decades, passwords have been the standard way to log in. But as cyber threats grow more advanced, the password has shown its weaknesses: complex to manage, easy to steal, and increasingly unreliable.

Now, a new approach is taking its place: passkeys. Backed by global tech leaders and built on proven cryptographic standards, passkeys promise a safer, simpler future for sign-ins.

In this blog, we’ll explain what passkeys are, why the industry is moving away from passwords, and what this shift means for organisations.

 

What are passkeys?

Most people are familiar with passwords: a string of characters that you create, remember, and type in whenever you need access. The problem is that humans aren’t great at managing them.

People reuse the same passwords across multiple sites, fall for phishing scams, or choose something so simple it can be guessed. Businesses end up dealing with constant reset requests and growing security risks.

A passkey works differently. Instead of being a word or phrase you memorise, a passkey is a digital credential based on public key cryptography. Here’s how it works:

• A private key is created and stored securely on your device.
• A public key is shared with the online service you’re using.
• When you log in, your device proves its identity with the private key, often confirmed with a fingerprint, face scan, or PIN.

Because the private key never leaves your device, it cannot be intercepted, reused, or phished. Even if attackers try to trick you with a fake website, the passkey will not work outside the original trusted service. This makes passkeys both more secure and easier to use than traditional passwords.

 

Passwords vs passkeys: why the shift?

The move away from passwords isn’t just talk. It is already happening on a global scale. Industry leaders, standards organisations, and governments are all supporting the transition.

• World Password Day becomes World Passkey Day
  What used to be World Password Day is now officially World Passkey Day. This reflects how the security community sees passkeys as the long-term replacement.
• Microsoft goes passwordless
  Microsoft recently announced that new accounts are now created without passwords by default. Instead, users sign in with passkeys or secure alternatives like Windows Hello.
• The role of the FIDO Alliance
  Behind this shift is the FIDO Alliance, a global standards body focused on secure authentication. They’ve developed specifications like FIDO2 and WebAuthn, which make passkeys possible. With these standards, businesses can adopt passkeys with confidence, knowing they will work across devices and platforms.
• Tech giants are in agreement about passkeys
  Apple, Google, and Microsoft don’t always agree. On passkeys, they do. All three have committed to supporting passkeys and FIDO standards, ensuring the technology will be widely available and interoperable.
• Better user experience
  For users, passkeys are easier. No more remembering complex strings of characters, no more constant reset requests, and no more struggling with password managers. A fingerprint, face scan, or PIN unlocks everything securely.

 

The advantages of passkeys over passwords

So how do passkeys actually compare to passwords in practice?

Passkeys are more secure because they are cryptographically tied to your device and cannot be stolen or reused elsewhere. They are easier to use too. There’s no need to create, remember, or type in dozens of logins; a quick biometric or PIN is enough.

For businesses, passkeys lower costs. IT teams spend countless hours helping users reset forgotten passwords, but passkeys cut down on support tickets and free up staff for more strategic work. They also deliver consistency across platforms, as FIDO standards ensure compatibility across phones, laptops, and browsers.

Finally, adopting passkeys helps build trust. Customers know their data is better protected, which strengthens reputation and credibility.

The transition will not be instant. Some legacy systems still rely heavily on passwords, and organisations will need to plan carefully for account recovery if a device is lost. But just like the move from cash to contactless payments, adoption is expected to accelerate quickly.

 

Why businesses should care

For organisations, the benefits go well beyond security. Eliminating phishing-prone passwords reduces the risk of cyberattacks. Staff spend less time dealing with login issues and more time on meaningful work. Early adoption also means businesses are prepared as more services phase out passwords entirely.

Stronger authentication helps with compliance and regulatory requirements, while offering modern login methods gives a competitive edge in markets where customers increasingly value security.

 

How you can implement passkeys in your business

The idea of moving away from passwords can feel daunting, but implementation does not need to be overwhelming. By taking it step by step, businesses can introduce passkeys smoothly.

Start with an audit of where your organisation uses passwords today, such as internal tools, customer logins, or partner portals. From there, you can run a small pilot project, perhaps starting with email or cloud apps, so your IT team gains experience before a wider rollout.

It’s important to work with trusted providers. Platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace already support passkeys, giving you built-in security and ongoing updates. At the same time, plan for account recovery options in case devices are lost, and make sure your users know how to use the new system confidently.

By approaching adoption strategically, organisations can modernise security without unnecessary disruption.

 

Final thoughts

Passwords have served us well, but their time is coming to an end. Passkeys offer stronger protection, a smoother user experience, and the backing of the biggest names in technology. With initiatives like World Passkey Day and Microsoft making accounts passwordless by default, the direction is clear.

At One Thirty West, we believe businesses should not just react to change but get ahead of it. Whether it is understanding how passkeys fit into your IT strategy, strengthening your cybersecurity, or supporting your team with new technologies, we are here to help.

Get in touch with One Thirty West today to find out how our IT expertise can keep your business secure, agile, and ready for the future.