The popular password management app will allow users to save passkeys and synchronize them across devices and platforms.
Starting from June 6th this year, anyone with a 1Password account will be able to use it to save and manage their passkeys, according to The Verge.
A passkey is a biometric-based login technology that allows users to use their device’s own authentication in lieu of passwords.
Browser extension to be available in Beta
On June 6, 2023, 1Password plans to make available a general beta version of its browser extension that will support passkeys.
To access the open beta, you’ll need to download the 1Password beta browser extension for Safari, Firefox, or Chromium-based browsers (which include Chrome, Edge, Arc, and Brave). Support for passkeys on mobile is still in development and unavailable at this time, according to The Verge.
Unfortunately, users won’t be able to replace their 1Password master password with a passkey immediately in the June release. Steve Won, 1Password’s chief product officer told The Verge that this feature will arrive sometime in July 2023.
1Password has some advantages over Apple’s passkey support (which relies on the iCloud Keychain to sync passkeys across Apple devices) and Google Password Manager. The 1Password app supports multiple platforms and devices with its Universal Sign On feature, which provides cross-platform syncing. The 1Password open beta for passkeys will also allow users to share their passkeys with trusted friends and family members, according to the company.
A technological step forward
The technology behind passkeys was developed by the FIDO Alliance, whose members include tech giants like Apple, Google, and Microsoft. The standard calls for using using public key cryptography which allows users to sign into apps and services using their device’s own authentication. This includes such features as Windows Hello on a laptop, an Android phone with fingerprint sensor, or an iPhone with Face ID.
Using these biometric measures, passkeys are able to replace passwords and verification systems like 2FA or SMS. With passkeys, there is no fixed login or transmitted code that could be stolen. This then provides stronger protection against hacking and phishing attacks.
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