Higher education is facing a critical authentication challenge. As campuses expand digital access, security vulnerabilities have grown in tandem. Billions of breached credentials circulate online, and traditional authentication methods like passwords and conventional MFA struggle to keep pace with sophisticated phishing attacks and credential theft.
What Are Passkeys?
Passkeys offer a passwordless authentication solution built on FIDO (Fast Identity Online) standards, developed by the FIDO Alliance. Instead of relying on something users remember (and often reuse), passkeys use a cryptographic key pair. A private key stays securely on the user's device, while a public key is stored by the application. When signing in, the device provides encrypted proof of identity without transmitting sensitive information. The result? Multi-factor protection in a single step, combining device possession with biometric or PIN verification.
Why Traditional Methods Fall Short in Higher Ed
Password-based authentication creates friction at every level. Students and faculty reuse credentials across platforms, making them vulnerable to credential stuffing. This type of cyber attack uses stolen username-password pairs to gain unauthorized access to multiple accounts. Phishing campaigns targeting campus communities often mimic trusted services like library portals, financial aid systems, or collaboration tools to capture login details. The problem intensifies during high-traffic periods: registration windows, housing lotteries, and finals create surges in access requests and account lockouts. Traditional MFA adds a layer of security, but SMS codes and authenticator apps introduce new problems, especially in phone-restricted environments or for users managing multiple devices.
How Passkeys Solve Higher Ed's Unique Challenges
Passkeys address these pain points directly. They're phishing-resistant by design. Authentication is domain-bound, so users can't accidentally share credentials with fake sites. They eliminate password reuse and reduce support costs by cutting down reset requests. For accessibility, passkeys work seamlessly with screen readers and alternative input methods, supporting diverse learners and staff. And because they integrate into existing authentication workflows, deployment doesn't require a complete infrastructure overhaul.
Ready To Get Started?
If you're exploring how passkeys can fit into your institution's security strategy, our Passkey Authentication in Higher Ed course walks through implementation essentials from phased adoption strategies to real-world use cases for shared devices and diverse user populations.