Passkeys vs Passwords: A Simple Security Guide for Australians
Passkeys are replacing passwords on major sites. Find out how they work, whether they are safer, and how to set them up to protect your accounts.
Passwords are the weakest link in most people's online lives. We reuse them, forget them and give them away to convincing fake websites. Passkeys are the biggest attempt yet to fix that, and more banks, email providers and shopping sites are offering them each month.
If you have seen a prompt asking you to create a passkey and quietly dismissed it, this guide explains what it is, why it can be safer than a password, and how to switch without the headaches.
What is a passkey?
A passkey is a way to sign in using the lock or biometric on your device, such as your fingerprint, face scan or screen PIN, instead of typing a password. Behind the scenes, your device holds a secret key that never leaves it, and the website holds only a matching public key.
When you sign in, your device proves it has the secret without ever sending it. There is nothing for you to remember and nothing for a website to leak that an attacker could use to log in elsewhere.
Why passkeys can be safer
- They resist phishing: a passkey only works on the genuine website it was created for. A fake login page cannot trick you into handing it over.
- They cannot be reused: every site gets its own unique key, so one breach does not unlock your other accounts.
- They cannot be guessed: there is no weak or predictable password to crack.
- They are quicker: a quick fingerprint or face scan beats typing a long password on a small screen.
Where passkeys fall short
Passkeys are not perfect. Support is growing but not universal, so you will still need passwords for some services. If you lose your only device and have not set up backup or recovery, getting back in can be a hassle. And if someone knows your phone PIN and steals the phone, they may be able to approve sign-ins, so a strong device lock matters more than ever.
How passkeys are stored
Many phones and computers sync passkeys through an account such as your Apple, Google or Microsoft login, or through a password manager. That makes recovery easier but also means those main accounts deserve your strongest protection. Secure them first.
How to start using passkeys
- Lock down your main accounts. Secure your email, Apple, Google or Microsoft account with a strong, unique password and extra verification.
- Set a solid device lock. Use a screen PIN or biometric, not a simple code like 1234.
- Look for the option. In the security settings of your bank, email or favourite shop, look for the words passkey or sign in with your device.
- Follow the prompts. Approve with your fingerprint, face or PIN.
- Keep a backup way in. Make sure account recovery details are up to date.
What about the passwords you still need?
For the many sites without passkey support, a password manager remains the best habit. It creates long, random, unique passwords and fills them in for you, so you only remember one strong master passphrase. Pair it with two-step verification wherever it is offered, ideally using an authenticator app rather than text messages.
A good master passphrase is several unrelated words strung together, something long and memorable to you but not tied to personal details that others could find online.
Scam warning signs still apply
Passkeys reduce risk, but scammers adapt. Be suspicious of unexpected calls, texts or emails that ask you to approve a sign-in, share a code or install software. Genuine organisations do not ask for your codes or ask you to move money to a safe account. If something feels off, hang up and contact the organisation using a number from its official website.
If you think you have been scammed or had an account compromised, change your passwords from a safe device, contact your bank straight away and use the official Australian government channels to report it.
Key takeaways
- Passkeys replace passwords with your device lock and resist phishing.
- Secure your main accounts and device lock first.
- Turn on passkeys where available, and keep recovery options current.
- Use a password manager and two-step verification for everything else.
- Never share codes, no matter who is asking.
Frequently asked questions
Are passkeys safer than passwords?
In most cases, yes. They cannot be guessed, reused or handed to a fake website, which removes the most common ways accounts get taken over. They still depend on you protecting your device and main accounts.
What happens if I lose my phone?
If your passkeys sync through your device account or a password manager, you can usually restore them on a new device after verifying your identity. Set up recovery options in advance so you are not locked out.
Do I need to delete my old passwords?
Not necessarily. Many sites let you keep a password as a fallback. Once you are comfortable with passkeys, you can remove or randomise the old password where the site allows it.
Can small businesses use passkeys?
Yes. Many business email and software platforms support them, and they are a strong way to reduce phishing risk for staff. Check each platform's security settings and roll them out to administrators first.
These cases are perfectly simple and easy to distinguish. In a free hour, when our power of choice is untrammelled and when nothing prevents our being able to do
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