Yes—use a passkey wherever a service offers one, the UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) recommends. If a site does not support passkeys, keep a strong, unique password and turn on two-step verification (2SV). You do not need to discard every password: a password may remain as a fallback even after you add a passkey.
Why the NCSC now recommends passkeys
On 23 April 2026, NCSC CTO for Architecture Dave Chismon said the NCSC had announced at CYBERUK 2026 that its advice would be passkeys wherever services support them, and 2SV where they do not. The change is being reflected through an ongoing refresh of NCSC guidance, rather than a single overnight switch. The recommendation draws on engagement with service providers, technology vendors and the FIDO Alliance, as well as technical and sociotechnical research. (NCSC, 23 April 2026)
The NCSC’s public guidance says it “supports the public adoption of passkeys and recommends using passkeys over passwords wherever available.” (NCSC passkey guidance) Its 2026 comparison finds FIDO2 credentials, including passkeys, as secure as or more secure than traditional multi-factor authentication against common credential attacks observed in the wild. This is a comparison against those attacks, not a claim that passkeys prevent every way an account can be compromised. (NCSC technical paper)
What a passkey is and how it works
A passkey is a passwordless sign-in credential based on FIDO2. When you set one up, your device or credential manager creates a credential for that account and protects its private key. To sign in, you approve the request using a familiar device-unlock method, such as a fingerprint, face check or PIN. The credential manager may be built into your phone or computer, or provided by a third party. (NCSC passkey guidance; NCSC technical paper)
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- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key C NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key C NFC via USB-C and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
The key security difference is that passkey authentication is cryptographically bound to the legitimate service. A passkey is not a secret you type into a page, so a lookalike phishing site cannot simply collect it and replay it to the real service. Traditional MFA—such as a password plus SMS, email or authenticator-app code, a physical token, or a push approval—can still be phished or relayed during a live attack. That does not make 2SV useless: it remains the NCSC’s recommended fallback where passkeys are unavailable. (NCSC explanation)
Are passkeys really multi-factor?
The NCSC’s technical paper says a FIDO2 credential counts as multi-factor when user verification is performed. In practical terms, the credential is held by the device or credential manager, and the user verifies locally with a PIN or biometric method. This is different from entering a password and a one-time code into a website, where an attacker may be able to trick the user into supplying both. (NCSC technical paper)
Rank #2
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5C NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5C NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5C NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
Passkeys, passwords and 2SV compared
| Sign-in option | Phishing resistance | Using it across devices | Recovery to plan for |
| Synchronized passkey | Cryptographically bound to the legitimate service; not entered as a reusable secret. | May be available on other devices in the same synchronization system. | Protect the account that controls synchronization and understand how to restore access to it. |
| Device-bound FIDO2 credential or security key | FIDO2 credentials resist common credential attacks; user verification determines whether the credential counts as multi-factor. | Not automatically available on other devices. | Register a backup credential or arrange a secure recovery route before relying on it as your only sign-in method. |
| Password plus 2SV | Traditional MFA methods remain phishable, although 2SV is still preferable to relying on a password alone. | Use the service’s supported sign-in and verification methods. | Keep the password strong and unique, and retain access to the method used for 2SV. |
The NCSC uses “passkey” for synchronized credentials in its technical paper and discusses single-device or device-bound FIDO2 credentials separately. A FIDO2 security key can be a hardware credential or backup on compatible services; it is not a required accessory for every passkey user. The NCSC does not endorse a particular commercial credential manager. (NCSC technical paper)
What to do if you lose your phone
The answer depends on where the passkey is held. A synchronized passkey may be available on another device in the same sync fabric, or restored after you regain access to that system. A device-bound credential does not automatically transfer when the device is lost: you need a previously registered backup credential or the service’s secure recovery process. Before relying on either setup, check what recovery route the service and credential manager provide. (NCSC technical paper)
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Rank #3
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5 NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
- For synchronized passkeys, secure the account that controls synchronization and know how to recover that account.
- For a device-bound credential, register another credential or establish a secure recovery route before losing access to the original device.
How to switch safely
- On a service’s genuine website or app, open its security or sign-in settings and look for a passkey option. The exact label and location vary by service.
- Create the passkey using the credential manager you intend to use. Follow the device’s prompt to verify with its PIN, fingerprint or face check.
- Check whether the credential is synchronized or tied to one device. For synchronization, protect the controlling account; for a device-bound credential, set up a backup or secure recovery route.
- Keep an existing password strong and unique if the service still allows password sign-in, and keep 2SV enabled where available. Do not remove recovery methods until you have confirmed you can sign in with the passkey and recover access if needed.
How much faster are passkeys?
The NCSC says passkey logins are up to eight times faster than signing in with a username, password and 2SV code. That is the NCSC’s published comparison, not an independently reproduced test, and actual sign-in time will depend on the service and device. (NCSC passkey guidance)
Quick Recap
Best Value
- FIDO2/Passkey Authentication – Secure, passwordless login with supported platforms. Check if your intended service supports hardware keys before purchase. Works with Gmail, Facebook, GitHub, Dropbox, and more.
- Enhanced Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Strengthen account security using either FIDO2.0 authentication or TOTP/HOTP codes, providing flexible options for added protection.
- Universal Connectivity: Features USB-A and NFC compatibility, making it easy to use across various devices including PCs, Macs, iPhones, and Android phones for seamless integration.
- Durable & Portable Design: Built with a 360° rotating metal cover for extra durability. Compact and lightweight, it easily attaches to a keychain for on-the-go convenience. No batteries or network required, ensuring dependable use anywhere.
- FIDO Certified & Business-Ready: Certified for FIDO standards and supported by a range of management software suites, ideal for both individual users and enterprise deployment.
Rank #4
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key NFC via USB-A and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
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