Andrew Shikiar, Executive Director at FIDO Alliance: Making Passkeys Inevitable

Andrew Shikiar, Executive Director & CMO at FIDO Alliance, delivered a talk at the Identiverse conference titled “Making Passkeys Inevitable.”

The talk focused on the importance of passkeys in modern authentication systems and how they can enhance security and user experience.

In the introduction, Andrew Shikiar highlighted the increasing need for secure authentication methods in today’s digital landscape. He emphasized the limitations of traditional passwords and the potential risks associated with them.

The Importance of Passkeys

Shikiar discussed the concept of passkeys, which are cryptographic keys used for authentication. He explained how passkeys can provide a higher level of security compared to traditional passwords. Passkeys are unique to each user and are stored securely on their devices, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

Benefits of Passkeys

Shikiar outlined several benefits of using passkeys for authentication:

• Enhanced Security: Passkeys offer stronger protection against hacking and phishing attacks.
• Convenience: Passkeys eliminate the need to remember complex passwords and can be easily used across multiple devices.
• Biometric Integration: Passkeys can be combined with biometric authentication methods, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, for an additional layer of security.
• Interoperability: Passkeys are compatible with various platforms and can be implemented across different applications and services.

Implementation Steps

Shikiar provided a step-by-step guide for implementing passkeys:

• Choose a Passkey Standard: Select a passkey standard, such as FIDO2, that aligns with your organization’s security requirements.
• Integrate Passkey Support: Implement passkey support in your authentication systems, ensuring compatibility with different devices and platforms.
• Educate Users: Educate users about the benefits of passkeys and provide guidance on how to set up and use them effectively.
• Enable Biometric Integration: Enable the integration of biometric authentication methods to enhance passkey security.
• Monitor and Update: Continuously monitor passkey usage and update security measures as needed to stay ahead of emerging threats.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Andrew Shikiar’s talk emphasized the importance of passkeys in modern authentication systems. Passkeys offer enhanced security, convenience, and interoperability. By following the implementation steps outlined, organizations can make passkeys inevitable and improve their overall authentication experience.