How to Use Passkeys to Improve Small Business IT Security

Summary:

• What are passkeys?
• Learn how passkeys work to improve cyber security for small and midsized businesses (SMBs)

Passwords have been the standard for protecting accounts for decades. But they are also one of the weakest points in IT security. That is why the development of passkeys has changed everything. If you’ve ever wondered about passkeys, how they work and whether they can really strengthen your defense against cyber threats, read on. There’s a lot to learn.

What Are Passkeys and Do You Need Them?

Passkeys are a new way to log in that eliminates a lot of the risks that come with passwords. They don't depend on something you type in that might be guessed or phished. Instead, passkeys are based on cryptographic keys that are kept safe on your device.

Passkeys are like digital keychains that only your device and account recognize. There are two elements to each passkey: a public key that stays on the server and a private key that never leaves your device. They work in tandem to authenticate you in a way that is more secure and easier to use. For SMBs, adopting passkeys can be a game-changer. When you make the shift, you remove one of the most common entry points that hackers use to attack your data.

How Do Passkeys Work for Your Small or Midsized Business?

So, how do passkeys work? The process is simple: When you sign up for a service that supports passkeys, your device creates a pair of passkeys, one public and one private. The public key goes to your service provider, and the private key remains securely on your device. When you try to log in again, the service challenges your identity, and the private key responds, thereby authenticating your identity without sharing sensitive private data. The passkey system is strong because hackers can’t steal or reuse a password that doesn’t exist. Even if a database is compromised, the stolen public keys are useless without the private key, which is held only by your device. For small businesses, that means your client account data, internal tools and sensitive company data are much less likely to be breached using stolen credentials.

Q: What are passkeys and why are they important for small businesses?

A: Passkeys are a modern alternative to passwords that use cryptographic keys instead of typed credentials. They reduce risks from phishing and stolen passwords, making them a stronger defense for small businesses.

Are Passkeys Safe for Small Businesses?

You may still be wondering: Are passkeys safe enough to rely on? The short answer is yes. They are built with advanced cryptography and backed by major players, such as Apple, Google and Microsoft. These companies are actively rolling out passkey adoption across devices, browsers and apps as ongoing improvements to data protection.

Here’s why they are safer than passwords:

• Phishing attacks don’t work because there is no password to trick you into sharing
• Passkeys can’t be reused across multiple accounts, like passwords often are
• Even if hackers breach a company server, they only get the public keys, which are useless without the corresponding private key

While no cyber security strategy is 100 percent impregnable, passkey security provides a much stronger line of defense than more traditional password methods.

Q: Are passkeys safe for small businesses to use?

A: Yes. Passkeys are backed by advanced cryptography and major tech companies. They protect against phishing, prevent credential reuse and ensure that stolen public keys are useless without the corresponding private key.

How To Use Passkeys in Your Day-to-Day Operations?

Now that you know what passkeys are and how they operate, let's talk about how to use them in your business:

• Start with your most important accounts, such as email, project management platforms and financial tools
• Enable passkey login wherever supported, often through your device’s biometric authentication, such as Face ID or fingerprint readers
• Train your team on how to sign in with passkeys instead of memorizing passwords
• Use mobile device management tools to ensure only secure devices can access business resources

Using passkeys makes logging in safer and easier. Your employees don't have to type in long, complicated passwords. Instead, they just do a fast biometric check to prove who they are. This means that there will be fewer password resets and better security.

What Does Passkey Management Look Like for a Small Business?

Any time you adopt a new system, management becomes part of the conversation. Passkey management is relatively straightforward, but you should still plan it carefully.

For your business, management may include:

• Making sure employees have compatible devices that support passkeys
• Using an identity and access management tool that integrates passkeys across apps and services
• Planning for backup methods in case an employee loses a device
• Establishing policies that ensure clients accessing portals or shared systems also adopt passkey security

By treating passkeys as part of your overall IT strategy, you avoid the pitfalls that come from a piecemeal adoption approach. If you have difficulty understanding how to implement passkeys, it would be worth your while to contact professional IT support services for additional guidance.

How Do Passkeys Improve the Client Experience?

Clients want smooth, secure interactions with your business. If you use client portals, billing systems or booking platforms, enabling passkey security will provide a better and more secure experience. The great news is that when clients use passkeys, they don’t need to remember complex passwords, they can sign in faster thanks to face or fingerprint recognition and they feel more secure doing business with you. At every step, they’ll see that your company takes cyber security seriously. Better trust means better connections with clients. When your clients see you investing in advanced cyber security measures, they know that you care about their privacy.

What Are the Challenges of Switching to Passkeys?

Like any change, adopting passkeys comes with its own set of hurdles. Common questions include: Do passkeys work on older devices, and do they support your current apps?

Some challenges include:

• Compatibility gaps if employees or clients use outdated technology
• Initial training is required for staff unfamiliar with biometric logins
• A transitional period where some systems still require passwords while others use passkeys

The good news is that more and more people are using passkey technology. Most new gadgets already work with passkeys, and many big platforms are adding them. You put your business ahead of the curve by starting immediately.

Q: What challenges might businesses face when switching to passkeys?

A: Common hurdles include compatibility issues with older devices, initial staff training and a transition period where some systems still rely on passwords.

Why Should You Make the Shift to Passkeys Now?

Cyber security threats are always changing and getting worse, and sadly, passwords are typically the easiest thing to attack. You are already being proactive by asking yourself not simply "What are passkeys?" but also how they fit into your overall IT security plan. Passkeys give small businesses the ease of use, security and potential to grow that they need. They prevent password-related breaches, cut down on the number of times you have to reset your password and help you stay at the vanguard of client safety. As with any new technology, it makes sense to get help from an IT consulting service to ensure you use passkeys properly.

How to Use Passkeys to Improve Your Security

Passkeys aren’t just a trend. They are a practical solution to one of the biggest IT challenges small businesses face. If you’ve wondered about how to use passkeys, how do passkeys work and whether passkeys are safe, the good news is that it’s an easy technology to adopt that offers real security improvements to your digital defenses. By focusing on passkey management, training your staff and guiding your clients, you can make the transition smooth and effective.

The sooner you stop using weak passwords, the better off your business, your staff and your clients will be. Check in with us for passkey implementation and training if you are located in the greater New York City area, or contact a local IT support company to assist you. Keep your business data safe with passkey security.