Consumers are being urged to replace passwords with passkeys as a simpler, more secure method of accessing online services.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of the signals intelligence agency GCHQ, said today that it would no longer recommend that individuals use passwords for logging on where passkeys are available as an alternative.
Passkeys, which are securely stored on people’s phones, computers, or in third-party credential managers, are quicker and easier to use than passwords and offer stronger security.
The NCSC’s recommendation follows a technical study that shows passkeys are at least as secure – and generally more secure – than a password combined with two-factor authentication, such as an authorisation code sent by SMS.
