The Growing Importance of Online Security
As the digital landscape continues to expand, the need for robust online security measures has never been more critical. For online influencers like Ely Rosario, who boasts a social media following of over 80,000, safeguarding digital presence is paramount. ‘It’s been a lot of work for me, and it would be devastating,’ Rosario said, referring to the potential consequences of a hacker stealing her identity.
Rosario regularly changes her passwords every three to four months and is cautious about clicking on suspicious links. However, she hasn’t yet adopted passkey technology, a relatively new security measure that experts believe could revolutionize online protection.
What are Passkeys?
Unlike traditional passwords, which can be compromised through phishing scams or data breaches, passkeys offer a more secure alternative. A passkey is a unique combination of a face scan, fingerprint, or PIN that’s tied to both the user’s device and a specific company’s website or app. This dual-verification process makes it virtually impossible for hackers to gain unauthorized access.
‘To completely eliminate an entire class of attacks against our identity,’ said James E. Lee, president of the Identity Theft Resource Center. ‘It would be virtually impossible to steal someone’s login credentials if they have a passkey going forward.’
The Adoption Challenge
Despite the promising security benefits, the adoption rate for passkeys remains relatively low. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, only about 30% of online users are willing to use passkey technology, which has been available for about a year.
Julio Cordova, who prefers traditional password management, represents a segment of users who are hesitant to switch. ‘I’m old school and I just stick with my passwords,’ he said.
Lee acknowledges that convincing people to adopt new technology can be challenging. ‘People are comfortable with the technology they have, and we as technologists sometimes, we’re not very good at explaining things,’ he admitted.
A Shift in Cybersecurity Landscape
As more companies begin to offer passkey options, experts hope that adoption rates will increase. Rosario, who was initially hesitant, has now decided to switch to passkeys. ‘She’s switching to passkeys ASAP,’ indicating a potential shift in user behavior as awareness grows.
The development of passkey technology has been a decade-long process, and while it may take time for widespread adoption, experts believe it represents a significant step forward in online security. As Lee succinctly put it, ‘For the individual person, it is a much more secure way. And once you get used to it, you’re going to love it.’
