passkey vs public-key

[Trevor Chandler]

Hello community,

What's the difference between passkeys being used for authentication
vs. public-key authentication?

 

[precious]

Passkeys and public-key authentication are both use asymmetric cryptography, but they serve different purposes and contexts:

Passkeys: A modern approach to passwordless authentication. They pair a device (like a phone) with a user account, using public-key cryptography to authenticate the user. For example, unlocking your Google account using your phone's biometric scanner instead of a password.

Public-key authentication: A traditional method primarily used for securing systems like SSH access. A user generates a public-private key pair and stores the public key on the server. The server verifies the user's identity based on the private key. For example, using SSH keys to log in to a remote server without needing a password.

 

[Emmanuel Phakula Mandala]

@Trevor Chandler

Key Differences​

• User Experience: Passkeys are designed for end-users and aim to simplify the login process by eliminating passwords and using biometrics. Public-key authentication is more technical and often used by IT professionals for securing system communications.
• Implementation: Passkeys are integrated into modern devices and ecosystems, making them easy to use across multiple platforms. Public-key authentication requires manual setup and is typically used in specific applications like SSH.

Both methods enhance security by leveraging public-key cryptography, but passkeys focus on user convenience and phishing resistance, while public-key authentication is a versatile tool for securing various types of communications.