Passwords, Passphrases, and Passkeys--Oh My! What They Are and How to Choose the Best Option

In today’s digital world, keeping your online accounts secure is more important than ever. Every time you log in to email, social media, online banking, or work applications you’re using some form of authentication—a way to prove that you are, well, you. Most people are familiar with passwords, but newer methods like passphrases and passkeys are also gaining attention because of the need for greater security. If you’ve heard these terms and wondered, “What’s the difference, and which one is best for me?” you’re in the right place.

Let’s break it all down and explore the pros and cons of each method to help you understand how to better secure your digital life.

Feeling confused about new ways to secure your online accounts? (Photo by Yan Krukau)

Key Takeaways

Before diving into the details, here are a few quick takeaways to keep in mind:

1. Passwords are the most common but often the weakest link: A strong, unique password is essential, but they’re prone to being forgotten or hacked if poorly created.

2. Passphrases are stronger and easier to remember: A longer string of words provides more security and can be more user-friendly than a traditional password.

3. Passkeys are the future of authentication: They combine high security with convenience, but they aren’t yet widely supported.

4. Layered security is the best approach: Regardless of which method you use, pairing it with two-factor authentication (2FA) and a password manager can significantly enhance your protection.

   
   

What is a Password?

A password is probably the most common way people protect their accounts. It’s a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols that you create and use to log in.

Think of it as a lock on your digital door. The better the lock, the harder it is for someone to break in. A weak password, like “123456” or “password,” is like leaving your door unlocked—anyone can walk right in. On the other hand, a strong password, like “C0mpl3x!P@ss,” makes it much harder for hackers to guess.

Pros of Passwords:

1. Simple and familiar: Most people already know how to create and use them.

2. Universal: Passwords are supported almost everywhere, from websites to apps.

3. Quick to set up: You can create one in seconds.

Cons of Passwords:

1. Easy to forget: If you use a different password for each account (which you should), keeping track can be a hassle.

2. Weak passwords are common: Many people use easy-to-guess passwords, leaving them vulnerable.

3. Prone to attacks: Techniques like phishing, brute force, or keylogging can compromise passwords.

What is a Passphrase?

A passphrase functions like a password but is generally longer and consists of multiple words, which makes it both more secure and easier to remember. For example, a passphrase might look like “SunshineCarrotPiano!” Similar to the code phrases often used in spy movies—like James Bond saying, “The snow is better this year in Innsbruck”—passphrases provide an added layer of protection while being simple enough to recall.

The idea is that passphrases are easier to remember because they can be a sentence or a combination of random words, but they’re still hard for hackers to crack. Passphrases typically have more characters than passwords, making them more secure against brute force attacks.

Pros of Passphrases:

1. Easier to remember: A sentence or series of words sticks in your mind better than a random string of characters.

2. Stronger security: The longer length makes them harder to crack.

3. Customizable: You can create a passphrase that’s meaningful to you but still hard for others to guess.

Cons of Passphrases:

1. Can be time-consuming: Typing a long passphrase every time you log in might feel tedious.

2. Still vulnerable to phishing: If someone tricks you into revealing your passphrase, it doesn’t matter how strong it is.

3. Not always supported: Some systems may have character limits that make using a passphrase difficult.

A separate secure device can be used as your passkey (Photo by cottonbro studio)

What is a Passkey?

A passkey is a newer and more advanced way to log in. Unlike passwords or passphrases, a passkey doesn’t rely on something you type. Instead, it uses something you have, like a physical device or biometric data (your fingerprint, face, or voice).

For example, when you use Face ID to unlock your phone or log in to an app with your fingerprint, you’re using a passkey. Passkeys are often tied to your device and work through public-key cryptography, which is highly secure.

Pros of Passkeys:

1. Convenient: No need to remember or type anything.

2. Highly secure: Passkeys are resistant to phishing, brute force attacks, and password leaks.

3. Fast: Logging in with your fingerprint or face takes just a second.

Cons of Passkeys:

1. Device-dependent: If you lose your device or it gets stolen, you might lose access unless you have a backup.

2. Limited compatibility: Not all websites and apps support passkeys yet.

3. Setup can be tricky: Configuring passkeys, especially for less tech-savvy users, can be a bit confusing.

How Do They Compare?

Feature	Password	Passphrase	Passkey
Ease of Use	Simple but easy to forget	Easier to remember but longer to type	Extremely convenient
Security Level	Can be weak if not complex	Stronger due to length	Very secure
Compatibility	Universal	Mostly universal	Limited for now
Setup Time	Quick	Quick	Takes some effort

Which Should You Choose?

The best choice depends on your needs and the type of account you’re securing.

• For everyday accounts: A strong password or a memorable passphrase might work just fine. Use a password manager to keep track of them.

• For highly sensitive accounts (like banking or email): A passphrase is better, especially when paired with two-factor authentication (2FA).

• For convenience and security: A passkey is an excellent option if the platform supports it.

  
  

Pro Tip: No matter which method you choose, always enable two-factor authentication (2FA) when available. It’s like adding an extra lock on your door.

Tips for Creating Strong Passwords and Passphrases

1. Use a mix of characters: Include uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.

2. Avoid common words: Stay away from “password,” “123456,” or your name.

3. Make it unique: Don’t reuse passwords or passphrases across accounts.

4. Use a password manager: Tools like Keeper Security, Dashlane, or Bitwarden can generate and store complex passwords for you. This past year, many of the password managers like Keeper Security now provide the option to generate passphrases and passkeys in addition to passwords.

The Future of Passwords

As technology evolves and hacking methods become more sophisticated, passwords might become less common, replaced by more secure options like passkeys. However, passwords and passphrases aren’t going anywhere just yet. Knowing how to use them wisely will keep you one step ahead of cyber threats. Remember, no password, passphrase, or passkey is completely foolproof. However, the harder you make it for a hacker to break in, the more likely they are to give up and move on to an easier target.

Need Help Securing Your Business?

Protecting your accounts starts with strong authentication practices, but setting up a secure system can be overwhelming—especially for businesses. At Keyn Solutions, we specialize in helping companies implement password managers, two-factor authentication (2FA), and comprehensive password policies. We recommend a Keeper Security and we can help you get started today!

Contact us today to learn how we can help you safeguard your business, streamline login processes, and ensure your team stays secure in an ever-changing digital landscape. Don’t wait—get in touch with Keyn Solutions by going to our website or emailing us at info@keynsolutions.com and take control of your cybersecurity today!