Access keys are rapidly gaining popularity as a secure alternative to traditional passwords, with a recent FIDO Alliance survey showing 57% of participants familiar with them, up from 39% last year. Only 28% reported using passwords recently, reflecting a shift in online security practices. Access keys utilize public key encryption, enhancing safety against data breaches. As awareness of cybersecurity threats increases, more users are integrating access keys into their digital routines, prioritizing their online protection.
Increasing Popularity of Access Keys
Have you started using access keys or passkeys to enhance the security of your online accounts? You’re certainly not alone, as recent findings reveal a significant rise in both awareness and adoption of these innovative security measures since their introduction just two years ago. According to the latest survey conducted by the FIDO Alliance, more individuals are recognizing the value of access keys in safeguarding their digital identities.
The FIDO Alliance’s fourth annual online authentication barometer, carried out by Sapio Research, engaged 10,000 consumers across multiple countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, India, and China.
Declining Dependence on Passwords
The survey results are telling: over half (57%) of participants expressed familiarity with access keys, a notable increase from 39% in the previous year. In contrast, the percentage of individuals unaware of access keys has dropped to just 16%, down from 28% in 2022. Among those who understand what access keys entail, a significant 62% have incorporated them into their online security practices.
As access keys gain traction, traditional password usage is on the decline. Only 28% of respondents reported manually entering a password in the past two months, a decrease from 38% in 2022. This trend reflects a broader shift away from passwords for various online services, including financial accounts, social media, streaming platforms, and smart home devices.
Darren Guccione, CEO and co-founder of Keeper Security, notes, “Users are increasingly aware of access keys and prioritize their personal cybersecurity by integrating more access keys into their digital routines.”
Security remains a top priority for many users, with access keys offering a more robust alternative to conventional passwords. These keys utilize public key encryption, pairing a locally stored private key with a public key stored by the service provider. This ensures that even if a data breach occurs, cybercriminals gain access only to the public key, which is essentially ineffective without the private key.
When surveyed about the safest authentication methods, 29% of respondents identified biometrics as the most secure option, while only 15% trusted complex passwords. Other methods, such as one-time access codes and various password management tools, were deemed less secure by users.
As awareness of cybersecurity threats continues to grow, more consumers are recognizing the importance of adopting advanced security measures like access keys, paving the way for a more secure online environment.