Passkeys are a modern, passwordless authentication method that leverages public key cryptography and biometric data or a PIN to authenticate users securely. They are part of the Web Authentication (WebAuthn) standard and are designed to replace traditional passwords, offering enhanced security and a better user experience.
What is a passkey?
A passkey is a strong, passwordless authentication method that uses public key cryptography and biometric data or a PIN. Unlike passwords, passkeys cannot be stolen or guessed, making them a more secure option for user authentication.
How do passkeys work?
Passkeys work by utilizing the Web Authentication (WebAuthn) standard, which allows websites and apps to register and authenticate users without relying on passwords. The process involves creating a public/private key pair on the user’s device and storing the public key on the server.
What are the benefits of using passkeys?
Using passkeys offers several benefits:
- Security: Passkeys are resistant to phishing attacks and brute-force attempts.
- Convenience: Users can log in using biometrics (fingerprint, face ID) or a PIN without entering a password.
- Scalability: Passkeys can be used across different devices and platforms.
What are the security considerations for passkeys?
When implementing passkeys, consider the following security measures:
- Secure Storage: Ensure that public keys are stored securely on the server.
- Phishing Protection: Implement measures to prevent phishing attacks, such as verifying domain names.
- Attestation Validation: Validate attestation statements to ensure the authenticity of the authenticator.
Quick Answer: How to implement passkeys?
To implement passkeys, follow these steps:
- Register the passkey: Use the WebAuthn API to create a public/private key pair and store the public key on the server.
- Authenticate the user: Use the WebAuthn API to verify the user’s identity during login by signing a challenge with the private key.
What is WebAuthn?
WebAuthn is a W3C standard that enables strong authentication without passwords. It allows websites and apps to register and authenticate users using public key cryptography and various authenticators, including biometric sensors and hardware tokens.
How do I register a passkey?
Registering a passkey involves creating a public/private key pair and storing the public key on the server. Here’s how you can do it using the WebAuthn API:
Step-by-step Guide
Create a credential creation options object
This object contains parameters for the passkey registration process. ```javascript const publicKey = { rp: { name: "Example Corp", id: "example.com" }, user: { id: new TextEncoder().encode(user.id), name: user.email, displayName: user.name }, pubKeyCredParams: [{ alg: -7, type: "public-key" }], attestation: "direct", authenticatorSelection: { residentKey: "required", userVerification: "required" } }; ```Create a new credential
Use the `navigator.credentials.create()` method to generate the key pair. ```javascript try { const credential = await navigator.credentials.create({ publicKey }); // Send the credential to the server } catch (error) { console.error("Registration failed:", error); } ```Send the credential to the server
The server should store the public key and other necessary data. ```javascript const response = await fetch('/register', { method: 'POST', headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' }, body: JSON.stringify({ id: credential.id, rawId: btoa(String.fromCharCode(...new Uint8Array(credential.rawId))), type: credential.type, response: { attestationObject: btoa(String.fromCharCode(...new Uint8Array(credential.response.attestationObject))), clientDataJSON: btoa(String.fromCharCode(...new Uint8Array(credential.response.clientDataJSON))) } }) }); ```Common Errors
- TypeError: Failed to execute ‘create’ on ‘CredentialsContainer’: Ensure that the
publicKeyobject is correctly formatted and that the browser supports WebAuthn. - NotAllowedError: The operation either timed out or was not allowed. User gesture is required.: Passkey registration requires a user gesture, such as a button click.
How do I authenticate a user with a passkey?
Authenticating a user with a passkey involves verifying their identity using the private key stored on their device. Here’s how you can implement this using the WebAuthn API:
Step-by-step Guide
Create a credential request options object
This object contains parameters for the authentication process. ```javascript const publicKey = { challenge: new TextEncoder().encode(challengeFromServer), allowCredentials: [ { type: "public-key", id: new Uint8Array(base64ToArrayBuffer(userId)) } ], userVerification: "required" }; ```Get the assertion from the user
Use the `navigator.credentials.get()` method to obtain the assertion. ```javascript try { const assertion = await navigator.credentials.get({ publicKey }); // Send the assertion to the server } catch (error) { console.error("Authentication failed:", error); } ```Send the assertion to the server
The server should verify the assertion to confirm the user's identity. ```javascript const response = await fetch('/authenticate', { method: 'POST', headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' }, body: JSON.stringify({ id: assertion.id, rawId: btoa(String.fromCharCode(...new Uint8Array(assertion.rawId))), type: assertion.type, response: { authenticatorData: btoa(String.fromCharCode(...new Uint8Array(assertion.response.authenticatorData))), clientDataJSON: btoa(String.fromCharCode(...new Uint8Array(assertion.response.clientDataJSON))), signature: btoa(String.fromCharCode(...new Uint8Array(assertion.response.signature))), userHandle: btoa(String.fromCharCode(...new Uint8Array(assertion.response.userHandle))) } }) }); ```Common Errors
- InvalidStateError: The operation either timed out or was not allowed. User gesture is required.: Authentication requires a user gesture, such as a button click.
- NotAllowedError: The operation either timed out or was not allowed.: Ensure that the user has registered a passkey and that the browser supports WebAuthn.
What are the best practices for implementing passkeys?
Implementing passkeys requires careful consideration of best practices to ensure security and usability. Here are some key recommendations:
Secure Storage of Public Keys
Store public keys securely on the server. Avoid storing sensitive data unnecessarily and ensure that your database is protected against unauthorized access.
Phishing Protection
Implement measures to prevent phishing attacks, such as verifying domain names and using HTTPS. Educate users about the importance of recognizing phishing attempts.
Attestation Validation
Validate attestation statements to ensure the authenticity of the authenticator. This step helps verify that the passkey was created on a trusted device.
User Verification
Require user verification during authentication to prevent unauthorized access. Options include biometric data, PINs, or passwords.
Error Handling
Implement robust error handling to provide meaningful feedback to users and developers. Handle common errors gracefully and log errors for further analysis.
Comparison of Password-Based and Passkey-Based Authentication
| Aspect | Password-Based | Passkey-Based |
|---|---|---|
| Security | Vulnerable to phishing, brute-force attacks | Resistant to phishing, strong cryptographic security |
| User Experience | Requires memorizing and managing passwords | Uses biometrics or PINs for easy login |
| Scalability | Limited to single device | Can be used across multiple devices |
| Maintenance | Regular password changes, password reset processes | No need for password changes or resets |
Quick Reference
📋 Quick Reference
navigator.credentials.create({ publicKey })- Creates a new passkey.navigator.credentials.get({ publicKey })- Authenticates a user with a passkey.btoa()- Encodes binary data to base64.
Security Considerations
Key Takeaways
🎯 Key Takeaways
- Passkeys offer strong, passwordless authentication using public key cryptography.
- Implement passkeys using the WebAuthn API for registration and authentication.
- Consider security best practices, such as secure storage and attestation validation.
Conclusion
Implementing passkeys provides a secure and convenient authentication method for your users. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can integrate passkeys into your application and enhance your security posture. Get this right and you’ll sleep better knowing your users are protected.
