Passwords have been the weak link in security for decades. People reuse them, forget them, write them on sticky notes and type them into convincing fake websites. Multi-factor authentication helped, but attackers have found ways to trick users into approving prompts or handing over one-time codes. Passkeys and hardware security keys offer a stronger approach that is also simpler for many people to use.
This post explains what they are, where they fit in a care organization and what to consider before rolling them out.
A passkey is a sign-in credential that replaces a password. Instead of typing a secret that could be stolen, your device holds a private cryptographic key. When you sign in, the website asks your device to prove it holds the key. You approve with a fingerprint, face scan or device PIN. The private key never leaves your device, and nothing reusable travels over the internet.
Passkeys are built on open standards from the FIDO Alliance and the W3C, and they are supported by major operating systems, browsers and many online services.
A security key is a small physical device, usually connecting by USB or tapping by NFC, that performs the same kind of cryptographic proof. You plug it in or tap it and, in most cases, touch it to confirm. Security keys are a form of passkey, kept on dedicated hardware rather than on a phone or computer.
Phishing resistance. The credential is tied to the real website address. A fake site cannot trigger it, so staff cannot be tricked into giving it away.
No shared secret. There is no password for an attacker to steal from a database or capture on a keyboard.
Less reuse. Each service gets its own unique credential.
Faster sign-in. Many people find a fingerprint or tap quicker than typing a long password and a code.
Administrators and IT staff. These accounts have the most power, so they deserve the strongest protection.
Finance and payroll. Targeted often in business email compromise.
Email and cloud applications. Where supported, these are high-value accounts.
Remote access. Protecting the doorway into your network is a priority.
Healthcare settings have shared workstations, rapid sign-ins at nursing stations and gloved hands, which complicate things.
A passkey stored on a personal phone is not helpful on a shared computer unless the system supports sign-in using a nearby phone.
Fingerprint readers may not work well with gloves or with some skin conditions.
Staff who rotate through many stations may do better with a security key on a lanyard, or with badge-based sign-in methods that your vendors support.
Some clinical and legacy applications do not support passkeys at all, so passwords or other methods will remain for some time.
Plan for lost devices. People lose phones and keys. Register at least two methods for each user, such as a primary and a backup key, and define how recovery works. Weak recovery processes, like answering questions or sending a code to email, can undo your protection.
Do not leave a back door. If an account still accepts a password and text message code, attackers can use that route. Once passkeys are in place, remove weaker methods for high-risk accounts.
Inventory your applications. Find out which support passkeys and which do not, and plan accordingly.
Pilot first. Start with IT staff and a few volunteers in different roles. Learn what trips them up before widening the rollout.
Train in plain language. Show staff how to register, sign in and ask for help. A short walkthrough saves many calls.
Budget for hardware. Security keys cost money, and you will want spares.
Mind privacy and policy. Biometric data typically stays on the device, but explain this to staff and check any state requirements and your own policies.
Update procedures. Your onboarding, offboarding and help desk steps need to include credential registration, replacement and removal.
Begin with administrator accounts and email, then add finance and remote access, then broaden to general staff as applications and workflows allow. You do not need to eliminate every password on day one. Reducing the number of accounts that depend on passwords alone is real progress.
UnityCare IT helps healthcare organizations plan authentication upgrades that match how staff really work, including shared workstations and mixed application support. If you are weighing passkeys, we can help you map accounts, pick a pilot group and set up sensible recovery.
Security monitoring, HIPAA safeguards, backups and staff training for healthcare and small businesses.
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Address: UnityCare Technologies, 2524 N Broadway Ste 554, PMB 947974, Edmond, Oklahoma 73034-4172