3 min. reading

What Is a Passkey vs Password? The Future of Safer, Easier Logins Explained

Tired of customers forgetting their passwords and abandoning their carts? You’re not alone. There’s a new way to log in that’s safer, smoother, and could boost your sales: meet the passkey.

Katarína Šimčíková Katarína Šimčíková
Freelance I Digital Marketing Specialist, Ecommerce Bridge EU
This article was translated for you by artificial intelligence
What Is a Passkey vs Password? The Future of Safer, Easier Logins Explained
Source: Depositphotos (edited in Canva Pro)

Let’s Start With Passwords

Passwords have been the gatekeepers of online shopping since the beginning. We all know the drill: create a password, remember it (or not), reset it, and hope it’s secure enough. But here’s the reality:

  • Most people reuse passwords across sites
  • Passwords are easy targets for hackers and phishing scams
  • Customers get frustrated when they forget them, which can mean lost sales for you

So, What’s a Passkey?

Imagine logging in with just your fingerprint or a quick face scan – no password to remember, nothing to type. That’s the magic of passkeys.

A passkey is a new, super-secure way to sign in. Instead of relying on something you know (like a password), it uses something you have (your phone or computer) and often something you are (like your fingerprint or face).

How it works

When a shopper signs up, their device creates a unique digital key pair. One part stays on your server, but the secret part never leaves their device. To log in, they just unlock their phone or computer – easy!

Why Should Ecommerce Stores Care?

1. It’s Way More Secure

  • Passkeys can’t be phished. Even if a hacker tricks someone with a fake site, there’s no password to steal.
  • If your server is ever breached, the passkey is useless to hackers without the customer’s device.

2. It’s Effortless for Shoppers

  • No more “Forgot your password?” loops. Shoppers log in with a tap or a glance.
  • Less friction means fewer abandoned carts and happier customers.

3. It Cuts Down on Support Headaches

  • Password reset requests are a major pain for support teams. Passkeys eliminate most of them.
  • Customers get back to shopping faster, and your team can focus on bigger issues.

4. It’s Already Here

  • Big names like PayPal, Amazon, and eBay are rolling out passkeys.
  • Apple, Google, and Microsoft have built passkey support into their devices.

Passkey vs Password: Quick Comparison

Passwords Passkeys
Secure? Prone to hacks & phishing Resistant to both
Easy? Easy to forget Easy to use
Support? Many reset requests Few reset requests
Future-proof? On the way out Quickly gaining ground

Are Passkeys Perfect?

No system is 100% perfect, but passkeys are a giant leap forward. They’re based on strong encryption, and since the secret part never leaves the shopper’s device, there’s almost nothing for hackers to steal.

Will Passwords Disappear Overnight?

Probably not. Some customers will stick with what they know, at least for now. But as more people get used to unlocking their phones with a face or finger, passkeys will become the new normal.

What’s the Takeaway for Your Store?

  • Security: Passkeys protect your customers and your reputation.
  • Experience: Shoppers breeze through checkout, boosting your conversion rates.
  • Trust: Adopting new security tech shows customers you care about their safety.
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Katarína Šimčíková
Freelance I Digital Marketing Specialist, Ecommerce Bridge EU

Freelance Digital Marketing Specialist at Ecommerce Bridge with nearly a decade of experience in digital marketing, where I’ve specialised in managing international teams and building strategic partnerships. As former International Team Lead at Groupon, I managed teams across various European countries, handled KPI achievement, and worked daily with agencies in English. These days, I focus on content strategy, link building, and coordinating with international agencies in e-commerce expansion. What truly fulfils me is working with people and seeing everyone happy and satisfied with the results. I’m passionate about researching and writing about the latest trends in e-commerce and digital marketing, bringing fresh insights and industry news to our readers. I hold a Master’s degree in Mass Media Studies and completed international courses in London and Bristol.

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