WebAuthn & Passkeys demystified: Secure passwordless login with Ory

WebAuthn and passkeys offer a modern approach to user authentication by eliminating the need for traditional passwords and providing a more secure, phishing-resistant environment through public-key cryptography. While WebAuthn serves as the protocol and API enabling secure login via browsers, passkeys enhance user experience by allowing seamless cross-device login and biometric authentication. However, implementing these technologies at scale involves navigating several challenges, including account recovery, cross-device compatibility, migration from legacy systems, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Ory provides a strategic approach to optimizing the user experience for passkey-based authentication, addressing issues such as lifecycle management and fallback strategies. The adoption of passkeys requires careful planning around domain stability, user education, and comprehensive testing across different devices and platforms to ensure a successful transition to passwordless authentication.