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Jun 17, 2026
Analyzed by Llama- 4 Scout 17B 16E Instruct

Passkeys vs Passwords: Experts Weigh In on Safety and Security

AI Summary
The Guardian's readers respond to the idea of using passkeys, which can be a pin on your phone or facial recognition, as a safer alternative to complicated passwords and two-factor authentication.

The Passkey Debate

Readers of The Guardian have expressed concerns and curiosity about the safety and security of using passkeys, which can be a pin on your phone or facial recognition, as an alternative to complicated passwords and two-factor authentication.

How Passkeys Work

Passkeys are considered safer than passwords because they are unique to a device, not stored on a company's server, and are unphishable and less hackable by cybercrims. A passkey is a complex value used as a start for a mathematical calculation, the result of which is sent to the website, making it impossible for hackers to steal the passkey even if a server is hacked.

Reader Responses

  • wyldfam: Passkeys are safer because they are vulnerable only to a hacker who can steal your phone, and you tend to notice quickly and can cancel (revoke) your passkey on your accounts.
  • TechGirl: Passkeys are good, strong protection – much better than passwords. Create a 10-digit pin on your phone from random numbers and remember it so it’s second nature.
  • gh05ted: Passkeys don’t have the weakness of shared secrets like passwords do. A passkey is stored in your phone, laptop or password manager and unlocked using a simple pin or biometrics.

Concerns and Limitations

  • dannytheclown: The subject seems very confusing, and there are concerns about software companies trying to self-stuff we don’t need and making things more complicated.
  • GordonLiv: Getting security right is a minefield, and there are concerns about syncing passkeys between devices and possible vulnerabilities.
  • Jiminoz: Passkeys are tied to a single device, and what happens if you want to access your bank account and you’re away from your desktop?

Conclusion

The debate on passkeys vs passwords continues, with experts weighing in on the safety and security of using passkeys. While some readers are convinced of the benefits of passkeys, others remain skeptical and concerned about the limitations and potential vulnerabilities.