Anyone who values cybersecurity uses secure passwords that cannot be easily guessed – and never the same for different services. But even if the password is secure, there is a risk that you will mix up or forget all the log-in data and end up being unable to log in anymore. Passkeys are a new, easy and secure way to log in online – without any passwords! SpardaSurfSafe, an initiative of the Education and Social Foundation of Sparda-Bank Baden-Württemberg, shows what this is all about and what advantages passkeys offer.
It’s a situation that many people are probably familiar with: when checking tickets on the train on the way to school or the office, you’re shocked to find that you’re no longer logged in to the ticket app. Not a problem in itself, after all you just have to quickly enter the password and you can retrieve the ticket. But what password was it again? Is there enough time to reset the password in an emergency? After the second unsuccessful attempt at the latest, most people’s stress levels are likely to rise significantly. They just wanted to do everything right.
“A secure password consists of numbers, uppercase and lowercase letters and special characters. It should be at least 14 characters long, not found in dictionaries and not made up of keyboard sequences. “You should also change it regularly and never use the same password for different services,” explains Götz Schartner from the Verein Sicherheit im Internet eV, one of the co-organizers of SpardaSurfSafe. “The problem is: Who can remember dozens of passwords like WErfjcwieu5! remember? And having to reset your password every time you want to log in is not an option either. You can, for example, store your passwords in a corresponding app that is secured with a master password or via biometrics. But if you lose access to this app, for example because your phone is broken or lost, you have a huge problem.”
So-called passkeys offer a new and secure alternative. These are digital keys that are stored on a device, for example a smartphone, tablet or computer. They work like an invisible key for all online accounts. Instead of a normal password, the device creates a secure key during the login process, which it then stores. This passkey is linked to the device and cannot easily be used by someone else unless they have access to the device, and even then additional confirmation such as a fingerprint or facial recognition is often required. Many devices also allow passkeys to be used across devices. A passkey created on the laptop can also be used to log in on the smartphone.
Creating and using a passkey is very easy. When you log in or register in an app or on a website, the software asks if you want to create a passkey. If you click “Yes”, the device securely saves this passkey. If you then want to log in again, simply select the “Log in with passkey” option and confirm the use of the passkey with a PIN or biometric data. In most cases this also works across platforms.
The advantages of this technology are obvious: forgotten passwords are no longer a problem. The device knows how to log in on its own. It is also very easy to use, as only the biometric data that is already stored or a PIN is required. In addition, passkeys are very secure, even more secure than passwords. “This is because the passkeys are stored locally on your device, so they are not directly affected by leaks through hacked websites,” explains Schartner.
Passkeys are available on many modern devices and platforms such as Android, Apple or Windows, although usage varies slightly. Detailed instructions are available on the SpardaSurfSafe website. This technology offers a great alternative to passwords that is both secure and easy to use.
About 8com GmbH & Co. KG
About SpardaSurfSafe – an initiative of the Education and Social Foundation of Sparda-Bank Baden-Württemberg
The organizer and sponsor of SpardaSurfSafe is the Education and Social Foundation of the Sparda-Bank Baden-Württemberg, which works together with the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Culture, the Security on the Internet Association. V. and the Baden-Württemberg State Media Center are carrying out the major project in the eighth year. In cooperation with the IT security experts at 8com GmbH & Co. KG, a concept was developed that teaches students how to use new media during lessons. “SpardaSurfSafe is a project close to our hearts that we have now carried out in 32 different cities in Baden-Württemberg. Over 500,000 participants have benefited from the program since its launch. “We receive consistently positive feedback from participants, whether students, parents or teachers,” explains Patrick Löffler from the Security on the Internet association. v.
