Linkedin Adds Passkey Features

Passkey Autofill (Conditional UI) Already Rolled Out

Several weeks ago, we noticed that the "Passkeys Autofill" (Conditional UI) option had appeared in LinkedIn's web application. This marks an indication of LinkedIn's broader rollout of passkeys, supporting Conditional UI from day one on - a strategy that other companies, such as Shopify, did not adopt in their initial rollout phase. However, since our discovery a few weeks ago, we have regularly checked LinkedIn's security settings but have not found an option to create passkeys. Additionally, no popup has appeared after successful login to offer the creation of a passkey.

Passkey FAQ Pages Already Created

In addition to implementing Conditional UI, LinkedIn has also developed a passkeys FAQ page to guide and educate users on their usage. Notably, the FAQs include information on cross- device authentication via QR codes and Bluetooth. From a support standpoint, the FAQ articles shows guides for Chrome, Edge, Safari, as well as Android and iOS apps, indicating a cross-platform rollout of passkeys at Linkedin.

Whats the Strategy Behind Passkeys for Linkedin?

Given that LinkedIn is a subsidiary of Microsoft - one of the backers of passkeys and a core member of the FIDO alliance - this move seems like a logical step. Further emphasizing this likelihood is the fact that Microsoft 365 already supports passkeys, as well as GitHub. Such indications suggest LinkedIn could very well be Microsoft's next platform to embrace passkeys.

LinkedIn's expansive user base interacts with the platform across a myriad of devices. Many have the LinkedIn app on their iOS or Android smartphones and simultaneously access LinkedIn on desktops powered by Windows or macOS. Introducing passkeys can significantly enhance the cross-device experience, especially if synchronized passkeys from cloud accounts like Google Password Manager, Apple iCloud Keychain, and modern password managers such as 1Password and Dashlane, are used.

It's also important to note that a significant segment of LinkedIn's audience comprises business professionals. These individuals often have the latest hardware and software, suggesting a higher degree of passkey-readiness within this demographic compared to others.

The Rollout of Passkeys on LinkedIn

While there's no confirmed date for LinkedIn's full passkey rollout, the platform is unlikely to lag, especially given the swift adoption of passkeys by other leading tech platforms (e.g. Revolut, PayPal, TikTok).