This revised report sets out the key business context behind UK cyber chiefs say it’s time to ditch passwords for passkeys – what are they?, preserving the original facts while improving clarity and flow.
Updated September 2026: This page refreshes the archived article UK cyber chiefs say it’s time to ditch passwords for passkeys – what are they? while preserving its live URL. The original report is retained below as a dated record of what was known or being discussed at the time. Time-sensitive details such as schedules, prices, live incidents, legal proceedings, product availability and public statements may have changed since publication.
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Archived report
The UK is on the brink of a major cybersecurity shift. In a move that could redefine how we log into apps, websites, and even government services, the country’s top cyber authority has declared that traditional passwords are no longer the best option.
Instead, experts are urging individuals and businesses to adopt passkeys—a newer, safer, and more user-friendly authentication method that could eventually make passwords obsolete.
But what exactly are passkeys? Why is the UK pushing for this change now? And should you make the switch?
What Did UK Cyber Chiefs Actually Say?
The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)—part of GCHQ—has officially recommended that people stop relying on passwords and move toward passkeys wherever possible.
According to recent reports:
- Passkeys should now be the “first choice” for authentication
- They are more secure than even strong passwords combined with two-factor authentication (2FA)
- The shift represents a major overhaul of decades of cybersecurity advice
This isn’t just theory. The UK government is already rolling out passkeys across services like GOV.UK, and major platforms such as Google, PayPal, and eBay have adopted them.
What Are Passkeys?
A Simple Explanation
A passkey is a passwordless login method that uses advanced cryptography instead of a memorized password.
Instead of typing a password, you authenticate using:
- Fingerprint
- Face recognition
- Device PIN
Behind the scenes, your device uses a pair of cryptographic keys:
- Private key → stored securely on your device
- Public key → stored by the website or service
When you log in, the system checks these keys—without ever exposing sensitive information.
How Passkeys Work (Step-by-Step)
- You register on a website using a passkey
- Your device creates a unique cryptographic key pair
- The private key stays on your device
- The public key is stored on the website
- When logging in, your device verifies your identity (biometric/PIN)
- The system confirms the match—no password required
This means your login credentials are never shared or stored centrally, making them far harder to steal.
Why Are Passwords No Longer Safe?
Passwords have been the standard for decades—but they come with serious flaws.
The Core Problems with Passwords
- People reuse passwords across sites
- Many passwords are weak (e.g., “123456”)
- They can be stolen via phishing emails
- Data breaches expose millions of credentials
In fact, cyber attacks often begin with compromised login details.
Even adding two-factor authentication doesn’t fully solve the problem—attackers are increasingly bypassing it using advanced phishing techniques.
Why Passkeys Are Better Than Passwords
1. Phishing-Proof Security
Passkeys cannot be tricked by fake websites.
Unlike passwords, they only work with legitimate domains—so even if you click a phishing link, your credentials won’t be shared.
2. No Password to Steal
There’s no password stored on servers—only a public key.
That means even if a company is hacked, attackers cannot reuse your login elsewhere.
3. Faster Login Experience
Passkeys are significantly quicker:
- Around 8 seconds to log in vs 69 seconds with passwords + 2FA
No typing. No codes. Just biometric confirmation.
4. Unique for Every Account
Each passkey is unique, so:
- No password reuse
- No credential stuffing attacks
5. Built for Modern Devices
Passkeys integrate seamlessly with:
- Smartphones
- Laptops
- Tablets
And they can sync securely across devices using cloud systems.
Why the UK Is Leading the Passkey Revolution
The UK is quickly becoming a global leader in passwordless security.
Key Reasons
1. Rising Cyber Threats
- 43% of UK businesses reported cyber breaches in the past year
- Attacks are becoming more sophisticated and AI-driven
2. Government-Led Adoption
The UK government plans to:
- Replace SMS verification with passkeys
- Deploy them across GOV.UK services
- Encourage nationwide adoption
3. High Public Adoption
- Over 50% of UK Google users already use passkeys
This puts the UK ahead of many countries globally.
Where You Can Use Passkeys Today
Passkeys are already supported on many popular platforms:
- Google accounts
- PayPal
- eBay
- Microsoft services
- Apple iCloud
More companies are adding support rapidly as industry standards evolve.
Are Passkeys Completely Perfect?
While passkeys are a major improvement, they are not without limitations.
Potential Downsides
1. Device Dependency
Your passkey is tied to your device.
- Lose your phone? You’ll need recovery options
- Switching devices can require setup
2. Compatibility Issues
Not all websites support passkeys yet.
However, adoption is growing quickly.
3. Learning Curve
Some users may initially find passkeys confusing—especially older users used to passwords.
Passkeys vs Passwords: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Passwords | Passkeys |
|---|---|---|
| Security | कमजोर | Very high |
| Phishing risk | High | None |
| User experience | Poor | Excellent |
| Reusability | Common | Impossible |
| Speed | Slow | Fast |
| Storage | Server-based | Device-based |
How to Set Up Passkeys
Step-by-Step Guide
- Go to your account security settings
- Look for “Passkeys” or “Passwordless login”
- Enable the feature
- Confirm with fingerprint, face ID, or PIN
- Save your passkey
That’s it—no more passwords to remember.
Should You Switch to Passkeys Now?
Yes—If Available
Cyber experts strongly recommend:
- Use passkeys wherever possible
- Keep passwords only as backup
- Enable 2FA for unsupported services
The NCSC says passkeys are now the safest and most user-friendly option available.
The Future of Passwords
Passwords won’t disappear overnight—but their dominance is fading fast.
Experts predict:
- Gradual phase-out over the next decade
- Wider adoption across banking, healthcare, and government
- Integration with digital identity systems
Google has even called passkeys the “beginning of the end” of passwords.
Final Thoughts
The message from UK cyber chiefs is clear:
Passwords are no longer enough.
Passkeys are the future of online security.
They offer:
- Stronger protection
- Faster logins
- Simpler user experience
As cyber threats continue to evolve, switching to passkeys isn’t just a convenience—it’s becoming a necessity.
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