Pros and cons of PassKey in iOS 16

Apple plans to remove the passkey password feature , but the implementation isn't as perfect as you might think.

What is Passkey?

Passkey is a software technology that primarily uses facial ID and fingerprint biometrics to unlock apps. It eliminates the less secure password login technique - currently the most commonly used security authentication process.

Compared to passwords, using passkey is very easy. They allow users to replace keystroke passwords with fast and convenient biometric checks.

As a result, technology giants like Google, Microsoft, and Apple can prevent most types of phishing attacks and the complexity of two-factor authentication that characterizes passwords.

Apple's Passkey implementation works by allowing users to use Touch ID or Face ID to authenticate app logins. All iOS 16 enabled devices can support such special keys. They are programmed to change the login method for all applications and websites.

It's important to know the pros and cons of iOS 16's Passkey feature because it's not as perfect as many people expect.

Advantages of Passkey on iOS 16

Passkey syncs with iCloud

Passkey on iCloud Keychain gives you end-to-end encryption. It ensures even Apple doesn't have access to your passkey.

You can also rest assured that through iCloud's password locks and cyberattack prevention functionality, you can always recover your passkey, even if your device is lost.

Passkey enhances user security

The privacy that passkey provides to iPhone users ensures end-to-end encryption. Since facial ID and fingerprints are all you need to protect your device, you won't have to worry about cybercriminals "hacking" your device.

Sign in to apps and sites across platforms

Passkeys are synced with iCloud Keychain, making them available on all Apple devices. This advantage eliminates the need for different controls for your app and web.

According to Apple, you can even use your iPhone to sign in to web and apps on non-Apple devices, like a Windows computer or a friend's Android phone. All you need to do is authenticate with Touch ID and Face ID .

Other advantages

• Users do not need to create or manage passwords.
• The account is immune to phishing attacks

Disadvantages of Passkey in iOS 16

Potential risks when using cryptography

Cryptography depends largely on large prime numbers, so it is quite difficult to hack. However, researchers predict that in the future, quantum computers will break public key cryptography. This would be a big problem if the passkey couldn't counter that.

The site can still retain the current password

It may take up to several years for most Internet users to get used to and switch to using passkey. So now passkey is actually an issue on incompatible devices.

The complexities of Face ID and Touch ID

The main problem with using biometrics alone is that small changes in the user's physical features can affect work performance.

Therefore, if you completely switch to passkey, it will be difficult for you to ensure that the face is the same over time and that the finger is clean.

Other disadvantages

• Inflexible use of passwords for users
• The rate of technological development is not uniform

Above are the things you need to know about the iOS 16 passkey. Hopefully with the above sharing, you will have the most accurate decision whether or not to use the iOS 16 passkey.