Passkey is a modern digital security system developed by the FIDO Alliance. This technology is designed to overcome the weaknesses of traditional password and OTP systems.
Technology: Facebook has introduced Passkey support, offering a significant improvement for its millions of users. Facebook users will no longer need to remember passwords for login. This feature is currently available only on iOS and Android mobile apps, but it's considered a significant security advancement, potentially paving the way for desktop and other services in the future.
This move by Facebook not only simplifies the login process but also represents a major leap towards new digital security standards. Passkey technology is considered more secure and user-friendly than traditional password and OTP-based login systems.
What is Passkey and why is it special?
Passkey is a modern and phishing-proof login system developed in collaboration with the FIDO Alliance and the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Its aim is to eliminate password-based login procedures and strengthen digital security. It generates a unique digital key (Cryptographic Key) for each user, securely stored on the device and activated only through biometrics or a device PIN.
Most importantly, Passkey is never transmitted, protecting against phishing, brute-force attacks, and data breaches.
How will it work on Facebook?
Facebook explains that users can now log in to their accounts using fingerprints, face scans, or device PINs. This process will be significantly faster and easier. When a user logs in, the app will suggest setting up a Passkey. There are two ways to set up a Passkey:
- The app itself will offer a Passkey creation option via a popup during login.
- Users can also manually set it up by going to Settings > Accounts Centre > Password and Security > Passkey.
- Passkeys will be generated based on the email ID or phone number associated with the account. This ensures that each Passkey is unique and works only on that user's device.
Meta Pay and Messenger Integration
The Passkey feature won't be limited to logins. Facebook also stated that when users make payments through Meta Pay, Passkey will securely autofill their payment information. This means transactions will be faster and more secure. Facebook will also launch Passkey integration into Messenger in the coming months to further secure encrypted chat backups and login processes.
Will passwords disappear completely?
While this feature provides a new login option, Facebook clarified that password-based login options are not being removed. Users can still log in with passwords as before. Passkey is simply a more secure, faster, and phishing-resistant alternative. Facebook claims that Passkeys and associated biometric information remain entirely secure on the user's device. Even Facebook itself does not have access to this information.
This system is designed so that even if a hacker or phisher attempts to log in, they cannot access the Passkey. This significantly enhances user account security. The arrival of the Passkey feature signals that a password-free future is not far off.
With the increasing incidence of cybercrime and data breaches, companies are under growing pressure to make security more biometric and hardware-based. Tech giants like Google, Apple, and Microsoft have already taken steps in this direction, and Facebook's involvement indicates that the Passkey system is becoming a new standard in digital security.
