Cybersecurity experts are urging people to move away from traditional passwords and begin using passkeys instead, warning that advances in artificial intelligence are making it easier for hackers to break into online accounts.
Security professionals say many consumers still rely on weak passwords or reuse the same login credentials across multiple websites, creating major vulnerabilities if one account becomes compromised. Experts warn that modern cybercriminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence tools to automate attacks, guess passwords faster, and create more convincing phishing scams targeting consumers.
John Bennett, a cybersecurity expert and CEO of the password management company Dashlane, said passwords are becoming less effective as AI technology evolves. He explained that hackers can now use AI to socially engineer victims and gain access to accounts far more efficiently than in the past.
Bennett said passkeys offer a more secure alternative because they eliminate many of the weaknesses associated with passwords. Instead of relying on users to create and remember complex passwords, passkeys use cryptographic technology tied directly to a user’s device. This often allows people to log in using fingerprints, facial recognition, or a device PIN rather than manually typing credentials.
Cybersecurity experts say one of the biggest advantages of passkeys is their resistance to phishing attacks. Traditional passwords can still be stolen if users accidentally enter them into fake websites designed to mimic legitimate login pages. With passkeys, authentication is linked to the actual website domain, meaning fake websites generally cannot trick the system into granting access.
Experts also explained that passkeys reduce risks tied to password reuse. Many people continue using the same passwords across multiple accounts, which allows hackers to test stolen credentials across different websites after a data breach. Because passkeys are unique to each service and are not manually created by users, they remove much of that danger.
Bennett encouraged consumers to use password managers if they still rely on traditional passwords. Password managers can generate stronger passwords and securely store login information so users do not need to memorize complicated credentials for every account. He also emphasized the importance of enabling multi-factor authentication whenever possible.
According to cybersecurity professionals, passkeys are already supported by many major technology companies and online services, including platforms operated by Apple, Google, and Microsoft. Users can typically activate passkeys through account security settings on supported websites and apps.
Despite the growing push toward passwordless logins, experts acknowledged there are still challenges. Some websites and services have not yet fully adopted passkey support, meaning many users currently operate with a mix of passwords and passkeys. Security researchers also note that device security becomes even more important when using passkeys because access is often tied directly to a user’s phone, computer, or tablet.
Researchers studying passwordless authentication systems recently found that users generally viewed passkeys as easier and more convenient during login compared to traditional passwords, although some platform-specific issues and setup challenges still remain.
Cybersecurity experts say consumers should remain cautious online regardless of which login method they use. They recommend avoiding suspicious links, monitoring accounts for unusual activity, using updated software, and maintaining strong security practices as cyber threats continue evolving rapidly alongside artificial intelligence technology.
Source: AZFamily
