Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) vs. Passkeys: Which Security is Best for You?
Many of you are looking to learn more about passkeys and wondering which is better: Passkeys or 2FA.
For years, experts have been telling us to stop relying on passwords alone. The result has been the rise of two major security methods: 2FA and the new kid on the block, Passkeys.
They both protect you, but they work in very different ways. Here is a simple breakdown of the old way versus the new way of logging in.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Think of 2FA as adding a strong lock to a weak door (your password). Even if a hacker steals your password, they are still stopped by the second lock.
How 2FA Works:
You still type your password, but then you need a second factor to prove you are you. This second step is usually:
A text message code (SMS): The weakest, as phone numbers can be “swapped.”
An authenticator app (like Google/Microsoft Authenticator): A code that changes every 30 seconds. This is the gold standard for traditional 2FA.
A physical security key (like a YubiKey): The strongest form of 2FA, but requires buying a little gadget and taking it with you if you’re traveling. If you forget it, you’re out of luck.
The problem with 2FA
You still rely on a password. If a sophisticated hacker sets up a fake website (a phishing scam) and you type in your password and your 2FA code, they can steal both in that second and log into your account before you even know it.
Passkeys
Passkeys are not a second lock; they are a whole new, much stronger door. They completely eliminate the need for a password.
How Passkeys Work:
When you set up a passkey on a website (Google, Apple, Microsoft, etc., are all embracing this technology):
A unique, invisible digital key is created. This key is stored securely on your device (your phone, computer, or a cloud service like your Apple or Google account).
When you go to log in, the website asks your device for that key.
Your device asks you to verify yourself using your fingerprint, face scan, or PIN.
Once confirmed, your device proves it has the key, and you are logged in—no password or code entry required.
The biggest advantage? Passkeys are tied to the specific website they were created for. If a scammer sets up a fake website, your device will refuse to use the passkey, making phishing scams impossible.
Passkeys are significantly better. They offer stronger security and much greater convenience, making it nearly impossible for hackers to steal your login credentials through a phishing attack or data breach.
Use Passkeys Wherever You Can
You should use passkeys whenever you can. If a website or web service offers a passkey option, use it. It is the most secure and easiest way to log in. For sites that don’t yet support passkeys, using 2FA is a must. If you are using 2FA, be sure you’re using an Authenticator App (like Authy or Google Authenticator). Remember that SMS (text message) is still much better than no 2FA at all, but weaker than using an authenticator app.
Popular Authenticator Apps
Many apps are available, but the most widely used ones include:
Always download these apps directly from the official app store to ensure you are getting the legitimate version and not a malicious imitation or a legitimate version bundled with malware.
We hope you found this article helpful!