1Password will also support passkeys, allowing users to store and sync them across devices and platforms. Starting June 6 this year, anyone with a 1Password account will be able to use it to store and manage their passwords, according to The Verge.
A passkey is a biometric-based login technology that allows users to use their device’s own authentication instead of classic passwords. This is much safer as there is nothing to guess, and biological characteristics cannot be easily falsified.
On June 6, 2023, 1Password plans to release a general beta version of its browser extension that will support passkeys. To access the open beta, users must download the 1Password beta browser extension for Safari, Firefox, or Chromium-based browsers (including Chrome, Edge, Arc, and Brave). Support for passkeys on mobile is still in development and not available at this time, according to The Verge.
Unfortunately, users will not be able to immediately replace their 1Password master password with a passkey in the June release. Steve Won, 1Password’s chief product officer told The Verge that this feature will be coming sometime in July 2023.
1Password has some advantages over Apple’s passkey support (which relies on the iCloud Keychain to sync passkeys between Apple devices) and Google Password Manager. The 1Password app supports multiple platforms and devices with its Universal Sign On feature, which provides cross-platform synchronization. Additionally, 1Password’s open beta for passwords will allow users to share their passwords with trusted friends and family members.
Passkeys are based on technology developed by the FIDO Alliance, whose members include tech giants such as Apple, Google, and Microsoft. The standard calls for the use of public key cryptography that allows users to sign in to apps and services using their device’s own authentication, such as Windows Hello on a laptop, an Android phone with a fingerprint sensor, or an iPhone with Face ID.
Using these biometric measures, passkeys can replace passwords and authentication systems such as 2FA or SMS. With passkeys, there is no fixed login or transfer code that can be stolen, providing stronger protection against hacking and phishing attacks.
