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Big Tech passkey implementations are a trap | Proton (proton.me)

submitted 8 months ago by [email protected] to c/technology

221 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Big Tech has implemented passkeys in a way that locks users into their platforms rather than providing universal security
Passkeys were developed to replace passwords for better account security, but their rollout by Apple and Google has limited their potential
Proton Pass offers passkeys that are universal, easy to use, and available to everyone for improved online security and privacy.

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (1 children)

If a passkey isn't device bound, what makes different/better than a complex password? Is it just the standardisation that you mention? Enforcing using passkeys becomes exactly the same as enforcing using complex passwords

[–] Spotlight7573 1 points 8 months ago (1 children)

One key benefit regarding hacking: the data that's passed back and forth between the user's browser/app and the website/service is a challenge and a response and is no longer sensitive like a password is and the authentication related data (the public key) that the website stores for a user's account isn't useful to an attacker.

One key benefit regarding phishing: passkeys/WebAuthn credentials incorporate the domain name into part of the authentication and it's enforced by the browser. This means that using a passkey/security key on the wrong site won't give an attacker anything useful unless they also somehow control the DNS and have a valid TLS certificate to impersonate the site with. This is unlike the situation with a phishing website where a user can be tricked by a fake but convincing looking website into giving over not just a password but a one time code provided through SMS or a TOTP.

One key benefit regarding usability: The user just has to choose which account to log into from their password manager instead of having it need to autofill correctly on the website (I still run into sites that don't autofill right). They also don't need to worry about any specific password complexity requirements or changing passwords in response to breaches or password expiration times.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 8 months ago

this makes a lot of sense, thanks!