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What is a Passkey and Why Should You Use One?
November 14, 2025
by Partner Colorado Credit Union
As technology continues to evolve, so do the ways we keep our information secure. One of the latest innovations in online security is the passkey — a safer, faster, and more convenient way to log in to your online accounts without needing a password. Whether you’re logging into your online banking account, a shopping website, or your email, passkeys can make your digital life much more secure and stress-free.
When you create a passkey, it’s stored safely on your trusted devices—such as your smartphone, tablet, or computer—and protected by your device’s built-in security features, like a fingerprint, facial recognition, or PIN. When you log in to a website or app that supports passkeys, your device automatically verifies you using this secure information.
In simple terms, a passkey works like a digital “key” that unlocks your account—but only for you.
When you log in, the website checks that your private key matches your public key—but your private key never leaves your device. This makes it nearly impossible for hackers to steal your login information through phishing or data breaches.
Passkeys eliminate one of the biggest risks online: weak or reused passwords. Because passkeys don’t rely on something you have to remember or type in, they can’t be stolen through phishing emails or keylogging attacks. Each passkey is unique to a specific website, so even if one site experiences a data breach, your other accounts remain safe.
Convenience and Speed
Forget typing long, complicated passwords or waiting for a text code to log in. Passkeys let you sign in quickly using your fingerprint, face scan, or device PIN. It’s faster, easier, and much more user-friendly—especially when managing multiple online accounts.
Cross-Device Access
Most major tech companies, including Apple, Google, and Microsoft, now support passkeys. That means you can securely sign in to your accounts across devices, whether you’re using your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Your passkeys sync through your cloud account, so access is always seamless.
Reduced Risk of Phishing
Phishing scams often trick users into entering their passwords on fake websites. With passkeys, there’s no password to steal. Since passkeys are tied directly to the real website, you can’t be tricked into logging in somewhere unsafe.
Device dependency: If you lose access to your passkeys (e.g., due to a lost device), the recovery process can be more complex than with traditional passwords.
Can’t simply reset your password: You’ll need to contact your credit union to freeze your online account, and then you’ll have to set up a new passkey.
Device compatibility: Not all devices support passkeys, especially older or less capable devices. This can limit the usability of passkeys for some users.
At Partner Colorado Credit Union, we care about your financial security and your digital safety. As technology continues to advance, we encourage members to explore secure options like passkeys to help keep their online accounts—and their money—protected. Visit our website for more details on how to start using passkeys.
What Is a Passkey?
A passkey is a new type of login credential that replaces traditional passwords. Instead of remembering complex passwords or using the same one across multiple websites, passkeys use cryptographic technology to confirm your identity securely.When you create a passkey, it’s stored safely on your trusted devices—such as your smartphone, tablet, or computer—and protected by your device’s built-in security features, like a fingerprint, facial recognition, or PIN. When you log in to a website or app that supports passkeys, your device automatically verifies you using this secure information.
In simple terms, a passkey works like a digital “key” that unlocks your account—but only for you.
How Passkeys Work
Passkeys are based on public-key cryptography, which means two pieces of information work together to keep your data secure: a public key (stored on the website) and a private key (stored only on your device).When you log in, the website checks that your private key matches your public key—but your private key never leaves your device. This makes it nearly impossible for hackers to steal your login information through phishing or data breaches.
Benefits of Using Passkeys
Stronger SecurityPasskeys eliminate one of the biggest risks online: weak or reused passwords. Because passkeys don’t rely on something you have to remember or type in, they can’t be stolen through phishing emails or keylogging attacks. Each passkey is unique to a specific website, so even if one site experiences a data breach, your other accounts remain safe.
Convenience and Speed
Forget typing long, complicated passwords or waiting for a text code to log in. Passkeys let you sign in quickly using your fingerprint, face scan, or device PIN. It’s faster, easier, and much more user-friendly—especially when managing multiple online accounts.
Cross-Device Access
Most major tech companies, including Apple, Google, and Microsoft, now support passkeys. That means you can securely sign in to your accounts across devices, whether you’re using your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Your passkeys sync through your cloud account, so access is always seamless.
Reduced Risk of Phishing
Phishing scams often trick users into entering their passwords on fake websites. With passkeys, there’s no password to steal. Since passkeys are tied directly to the real website, you can’t be tricked into logging in somewhere unsafe.
Limitations of Passkeys
While passkeys offer advantages in terms of security and user convenience, they can come with some drawbacks and limitations. Here are some key issues to consider.Device dependency: If you lose access to your passkeys (e.g., due to a lost device), the recovery process can be more complex than with traditional passwords.
Can’t simply reset your password: You’ll need to contact your credit union to freeze your online account, and then you’ll have to set up a new passkey.
Device compatibility: Not all devices support passkeys, especially older or less capable devices. This can limit the usability of passkeys for some users.
The Future of Passwords
The days of trying to remember dozens of passwords—or resetting them when you forget—are coming to an end. Passkeys offer a modern, secure, and user-friendly way to protect your information online. As more financial institutions, apps, and websites adopt this technology, users can enjoy both peace of mind and a better digital experience.At Partner Colorado Credit Union, we care about your financial security and your digital safety. As technology continues to advance, we encourage members to explore secure options like passkeys to help keep their online accounts—and their money—protected. Visit our website for more details on how to start using passkeys.