Do Passkeys Require Biometrics?

No, passkeys do not inherently require biometrics. Passkeys are a form of passwordless authentication that can utilize various forms of security, including biometrics, PINs, or hardware security keys. Biometrics are often used for convenience, but they are not a requirement for passkeys.

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Passkeys are a modern, secure way to authenticate users without requiring passwords. Instead of relying on a memorized string of characters, passkeys leverage asymmetric cryptography to ensure that only the intended user can access a system. Here’s how it works:

• Passkeys vs. Passwords: Unlike passwords, passkeys are not stored on servers in plaintext or hashed form. They consist of a key pair: a public key stored on the server and a private key that remains on the user's device.

• Authentication Methods: While biometrics (like fingerprints or facial recognition) are often associated with passkeys, they are not the only method of user verification. Passkeys can also be authenticated using:

  • PINs: A user may set a device-specific PIN to authenticate their passkey.
  • Patterns Some devices (e.g. on Android) allow to use patterns to authenticate.

• The Role of Biometrics: Biometrics are popular for passkey authentication because they are convenient and quick and can be used to access the private key which is stored inside the user's device.