Crack the Code with Passkeys, with Andrew Shikiar

The FIDO Alliance, a global industry body with over 300 members, advocates for replacing passwords with passkeys to enhance security and usability. Andrew Shikiar, Executive Director and CMO, explains that passwords remain a persistent threat to digital security, contributing to breaches and poor user experiences. Passkeys, built on FIDO standards, eliminate the need for memorized credentials by using cryptographic key pairs, reducing friction for both users and organizations.

Passkeys synchronize private keys across a user’s devices through operating system or cloud credential providers, enabling seamless sign-ins without re-enrollment. This innovation addresses a key limitation of traditional FIDO credentials, which required separate enrollment on each device. Major platforms like Apple, Google, and Microsoft have adopted passkeys, with companies such as Amazon, TikTok, and Roblox following suit to improve user engagement and reduce abandonment rates.

The shift toward passwordless authentication is accelerating, driven by the inefficiencies of passwords. Studies show that over half of users abandon purchases due to forgotten passwords, while data breaches linked to password misuse incur significant costs. Passkeys offer a solution by providing a frictionless experience—users simply unlock their device to sign in—while maintaining robust security through cryptographic verification.

Educating users about passkeys remains a priority for the FIDO Alliance. The organization has introduced a standardized icon and terminology to simplify adoption, ensuring that users recognize passkeys as a secure and convenient option. Shikiar emphasizes that the first passkey experience must be intuitive, reinforcing trust and encouraging broader adoption across consumer and enterprise platforms.