PIN Authentication Passkeys – Say Goodbye to Passwords
Passwords are losing their popularity for securing digital information. According to Verizon’s report, 81% of hacking-related breaches used lost or stolen credentials.
Businesses are shifting to passwordless authentication. Gartner predicts that 60% of large and global organizations will implement passwordless authentication methods by 2022 in more than 50% of use cases.
One of the many solutions for passwordless authentication is the PIN authentication passkey. It offers increased security and convenience to users.
At Vault Vision, we have been at the forefront of passwordless authentication. Our aim is to eliminate the need for passwords and provide highly secure and convenient access to digital assets.
In this blog, we will:
- Provide an overview of the PIN authentication passkey.
- Highlight its benefits for businesses and users.
- Setting a strong passcode
What Is a PIN Authentication Passkey?
A passkey backed by a PIN is a safer replacement for passwords. It lets users sign in to apps and websites with a PIN. But in the background, PIN-based passkey is backed by cryptography keys tied to a user account and a website/app.
The passkey platform secures authentication using public-private key pair cryptography. A private crypto key is stored on the user’s device. And it never leaves the user’s device. On the other hand, the website or app stores the public key.
Implementing passkey support on a website or app is easy with the Vault Vision authentication platform.
Why is Passkey PIN Auth Better Than an Online Password?
Passkey PIN overcomes the drawbacks of a traditional password. It offers the following benefits.
Specific to the Device
A passkey backed by a PIN is not stored online or transmitted over the internet. It is stored locally on the user’s device and verified using secure cryptographic algorithms.
User-Friendly
A PIN is typically shorter and easier to remember than complex passwords. Users don’t need to key in special characters, numbers, or upper and lowercase letters. These are usually difficult to remember or type accurately.
Drawbacks of PIN Authentication Passkey
Here are some potential PIN-based Passkeys drawbacks to consider:
Shoulder Surfing
PINs can be vulnerable to misuse when a hacker looks over the user’s shoulder to see the PIN they enter. The user can avoid this risk by entering their PIN carefully and treating it like their PIN for a ATM. Don’t enter your PIN or unlock your device in sketchy or unprotected physical locations.
Limited Complexity
Despite being complex, PINs still need to be improved concerning the number of characters and symbols that can be used. This limitation can make them more vulnerable to guessing attacks.
Among Passkey passwordless login solutions, the PIN is not the most secure option. Fingerprints and facial recognition are more secure.
Setting a Strong Pin Passkey
As per a 2020 investigation on common PINs, 10 common four-digit PINs are:
- 1234
- 0000
- 2580
- 1111
- 5555
- 5683
- 0852
- 2222
- 1212
- 1998
And six-digit codes are:
- 123456
- 654321
- 111111
- 000000
- 123123
- 666666
- 121212
- 112233
- 789456
- 159753
So, when setting a PIN-based Passkey authentication, ensure you set a strong 6-character based code.
Here’s how you can change your PIN on your iOS/Android:
1. Go to the Settings app.
2. Select Security & location (Security) on Android and go to Face ID and Passcode or Touch ID and Passcode on iOS.
3. Choose Screen lock and select PIN. On your iDevice, tap Turn Passcode On or Change Passcode.
4. Follow on-screen instructions to enter a Four or Six digit passcode.
5. Enter your PIN once again to confirm.
FAQs
What is the difference between a PIN and a passkey?
A passkey replaces passwords that provide faster, easier, and more secure sign-ins to websites and apps across a user’s devices. Unlike passwords, passkeys are always solid and phishing-resistant. A PIN refers explicitly to a short code consisting of a sequence of digits. This passkey use case unlocks the security chip and makes the passkey available for use.
How long can a PIN be?
The length of a PIN varies depending on the platform or device being used.
PINs should generally be long enough to provide adequate security but still easy enough for users to remember and enter accurately.
Can I change my PIN?
Yes, you can change your PIN. The process of changing a passkey may vary depending on the platform or device you are using.
How secure are PIN authentication passkeys compared to other forms of authentication?
PIN authentication passkeys are considered highly secure compared to password authentication.
However, fingerprints and facial recognition are more secure. Among the three, PIN is the least secure but often more convenient.
Are there any risks associated with using a PIN authentication passkey for authentication?
A PIN authentication passkey is generally more secure than traditional passwords.
Can a PIN authentication passkey be hacked or compromised?
No authentication method can guarantee 100% protection against hacking or compromise. But PIN authentication passkeys are designed to be more secure than traditional passwords.
They use advanced encryption and key pair technology to protect against phishing and other credential attacks.
How does a PIN authentication passkey protect against unauthorized access?
A PIN authentication passkey protects against unauthorized access by requiring users to enter a unique PIN that only they know.
Also, PIN authentication passkeys are stored in a secure hardware element, like a Trusted Platform Module (TPM). This provides additional protection against attacks.
Even if an attacker gains access to the device, they cannot use it without the correct PIN. And most devices only allow a certain number of guesses before they lock completely.
Can I use the same PIN authentication passkey for multiple accounts or devices?
Because the PIN is coupled to a physical device, it is does not increase the risk by reuse for multiple devices. But the risk is all based on how private and protected you can ensure for that PIN.
How does the use of PIN authentication passkeys impact user experience and usability?
PIN authentication passkeys can improve user experience and usability in several ways.
They are typically easier to remember than complex passwords and can be used across multiple devices and platforms.
Also, they can be shorter and simpler than passwords. So they can be quicker to enter and less frustrating for users.
Are PIN authentication passkeys compatible with different types of devices and operating systems?
PIN authentication passkeys can be implemented on various devices and operating systems, like Android, iOS, Chrome, and macOS.
However, the specific implementation and support for PIN authentication passkeys may vary depending on the device or platform.
Conclusion
Overall, PIN authentication passkeys are a highly secure and convenient authentication method. They protect digital assets and reduce their risk of falling victim to cyberattacks.
Vault Vision recently launched passwordless logins. Our user authentication platform has integrated passkey authentication with facial recognition, fingerprint & PIN-based verification.
This technology makes the user registration and login experience secure, convenient, and easy.
We maintain zero third-party dependence. This eliminates vendor breach risk for developers and the ability to operate in air-gapped and secure operating environments.
Try our Free plan to test how your company can benefit from passkey authentication. We also offer a Professional plan for just $25 per month.
Sources:
Passwordless Login With Passkeys
Why A Pin Is Better Than An Online Password
PIN-Code Best Practices for Secure Access Control
Understanding the Mac OS X Keychain
Data And Account Security On Android Phone In Case Of It Being Stolen
