Passkeys?

[NutmegCT]

I wonder if any BCF members use "passkeys" for access to some websites.

What does the passkey system accomplish, over what passwords do now?

Thanks!
Tom M.

 

[JPSmit]

typically not a lot of choice about whether to use a passkey (either they want it or not - like a password) I appreciate it only because it tends to be quicker and has less reliance on my memory (what were we talking about) - I have a fingerprint pad on my laptop and that is the 'passkey' I use.

 

[NutmegCT]

Thanks JP. Wouldn't almost every app on your device (laptop, smartphone, etc.) be able to access that passkey? does each website put a different passkey on your device, or do the websites all use the same passkey?

Thanks.
TM

 

[Gliderman8]

I use some passkeys. Some use fingerprints and some use facial recognition. As JP said, it’s a quick and secure way to log into websites that utilize it.

 

[NutmegCT]

Thanks Elliot. At my age, I'm concerned about continually adding more "things to install and learn".

Remember when we paid bills by sending a check (or authorizing direct debit)? Now some places require credit card, some require Zelle or PayPal, some require ApplePay, some direct debit, etc. It's all for the convenience of the company, and adds more complexity to the life of the customers. It's like needing multiple checking accounts, one for each business.

And we have to give our banking info separately to Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, CashApp, ApplePay, etc. Seems like a hacker's paradise.

yeesh

 

[Bob McElwee]

When I signing up for a new website and it ask if I want to use a passkey I now answer yes. I doubt very much if is is the same as any of the other ones I have but I don't know for sure. it eliminates one step in the sign process for me.

 

[mikephillips]

It'll depend on what software they use if it can be loaded to the phone or other device which the website would query, then it would ping you to reply. I have something similar with my work apps that use one of a couple apps for multi factor authentication. But still, while it helps, much of the web seems to be designed for convenience and not to protect sensitive information. I tend to be old fashioned in that I don't keep personal info on websites or devices if I can avoid it to make stealing my data more difficult. Yes, not having pay apps, using checks and cash and other old ways of doing things isn't as convenient. But I figure the fewer places my info is, the harder it'll be to steal from me. That's what i get for being an IT guy for near 45 years now and watching things evolve.

 

[John Turney]

I use a password manager (PM) to remember the 100+ passwords that I have. I only have to remember the password for the password manager. Since it doesn’t leave my computer, it can be an easy to remember one. The PM also suggests the passwords that can’t be remembered for the internet sites, especially those that have to be periodically renewed. On my phone, I have facial recognition.

 

[JPSmit]

Thanks JP. Wouldn't almost every app on your device (laptop, smartphone, etc.) be able to access that passkey? does each website put a different passkey on your device, or do the websites all use the same passkey?

Thanks.
TM

I have no idea - at the end of the day it is pretty much all magic and voodoo. It just saves me having to dance naked under a full moon to get into certain websites

 

[NutmegCT]

I have no idea - at the end of the day it is pretty much all magic and voodoo. It just saves me having to dance naked under a full moon to get into certain websites

I've seen some of those websites. You dance very well.

 

[Gliderman8]

I have no idea - at the end of the day it is pretty much all magic and voodoo. It just saves me having to dance naked under a full moon to get into certain websites

My childhood nightmares are going to return