Why Passkeys May Not Be As Safe As We Think

Passkeys have been promoted as the future of secure login, designed to replace traditional passwords and reduce the risks of hacking, phishing, and credential theft. By relying on cryptographic key pairs, passkeys promise to eliminate the weaknesses of reused or simple passwords. However, recent research shows that passkeys may not be as safe as expected. Security experts have found that attackers can exploit browsers, the very platforms meant to support secure authentication, creating new concerns for everyday users.

Passkeys And The Browser Vulnerability

While passkeys are designed to provide stronger security, browsers act as the middle layer that manages passkey prompts and verification. This creates a potential weak link. Hackers can inject malicious scripts that mimic genuine passkey requests, making it difficult for users to identify fake prompts. Because of this, attackers may hijack authentication flows without the user realizing they have been compromised.

Why Passkey Security Matters For Users

For people who rely on digital platforms every day, passkey security is a serious issue. Users expect seamless and safe login experiences, but these vulnerabilities show that attackers can still find ways to deceive them. This is particularly concerning for mobile users, where fake prompts appear almost identical to legitimate ones. The trust placed in passkeys could lead to a false sense of security, making it even easier for cybercriminals to launch attacks.

Staying Safe While Using Passkeys

Despite these risks, passkeys remain a step forward in authentication. To protect yourself, always verify login prompts, keep browsers updated, and enable additional layers of protection such as two-factor authentication when possible. Security experts recommend being cautious of unexpected login requests and monitoring account activity closely. As research continues, improvements will likely strengthen passkey systems, but users should remain alert and informed.