When was the last time you stopped to think about your login process? For most of us, signing in to accounts is so routine that we barely give it a second thought. Yet, the way we access our digital tools has a massive impact on both convenience and security.
For decades, passwords have been the standard. But let’s face it, passwords can be frustrating. They’re often forgotten, reused across multiple accounts, and easy targets for cyber criminals.
That’s where passkeys come in. And thanks to new updates, Windows 11 is finally making them simpler to use.
What exactly is a passkey?
Passkeys are designed to replace traditional passwords with something far more secure and user-friendly. Instead of typing a word or phrase, you sign in using your fingerprint, facial recognition, or a secure PIN linked to your device.
Behind the scenes, passkeys use advanced encryption. They’re built from two parts:
- One stays on your device.
- The other is stored by the service you’re accessing.
When combined, they act like a lock and key. But the key never leaves your device, which means hackers can’t steal it or trick you into handing it over through phishing emails.
Why Windows 11 matters for passkeys
Until recently, using passkeys on Windows felt awkward. You often had to rely on third-party tools, and managing them wasn’t always straightforward.
Microsoft is now changing that. With the latest Windows 11 preview builds, new features are being introduced to make passkeys far easier to set up and manage.
Key updates include:
- Integration with 1Password for smooth syncing of passkeys across Windows devices.
- A new developer toolkit that allows other password managers to work seamlessly with Windows.
In short, your passkeys will integrate more smoothly with the security tools you already use, reducing friction and boosting protection.
The bigger picture: moving away from passwords
Microsoft has made its stance clear, it’s ready to move beyond passwords. The company is even retiring password management within the Microsoft Authenticator app, making passkeys the default way to access Microsoft accounts going forward.
For businesses, this shift matters. Passkeys reduce human error, eliminate password fatigue, and provide a much stronger defence against phishing attacks.
Is your business ready for a password-free future?
Passkeys aren’t just a more convenient way to log in, they represent a huge step forward in cyber security. And with Windows 11 making them easier to adopt, now is the time to start planning your transition.
If you’d like expert guidance on adopting passkeys or strengthening your business’s security, our team can help. Get in touch today.
