# Improving Passkey Usability: New Standards from the FIDO Alliance
In the constantly changing realm of digital security, conventional passwords are becoming progressively susceptible to breaches and phishing schemes. In response to these threats, passkeys have surfaced as a more secure and user-centric solution. Nevertheless, the existing use of passkeys has encountered criticism due to vendor lock-in, complicating users’ ability to transition between platforms. To counter this problem, the FIDO Alliance has unveiled two new draft specifications: the Credential Exchange Protocol (CXP) and the Credential Exchange Format (CXF). These initiatives are intended to improve the usability of passkeys, especially within organizational contexts.
## Comprehending Passkeys
Passkeys employ cryptographic techniques like Face ID and Touch ID for user authentication, thereby eliminating the necessity for conventional passwords. This novel method not only bolsters security by rendering passkeys resistant to phishing but also streamlines the user experience. However, the present condition of passkey technology presents a notable limitation: users are frequently confined to particular platforms or password managers. Switching from one service to another usually requires users to erase their passkeys from the previous platform and manually reconfigure them on the new one, which can be laborious and time-consuming.
## The Significance of CXP and CXF
The recently proposed CXP and CXF specifications are formulated to address the issues linked to passkey portability.
– **Credential Exchange Protocol (CXP)**: This protocol enables the secure transfer of credentials among various password managers. It permits users to migrate their passkeys without jeopardizing security or involving tedious manual procedures.
– **Credential Exchange Format (CXF)**: This format guarantees that passkeys are readable and operable across different services, fostering interoperability among diverse platforms.
Collectively, these specifications strive to establish a seamless experience for users wishing to switch between password managers, thereby minimizing the friction currently involved with passkey management.
## Collaboration in the Industry
Leading firms in the password management sector, including Dashlane and 1Password, have already started working with the FIDO Alliance to implement these new standards. This collaboration is vital for promoting the widespread use of passkeys by making them more user-friendly and widely accessible. By standardizing the management and transfer of passkeys, the FIDO Alliance’s specifications will enable businesses and consumers to select the best tools for their requirements without being confined to a single ecosystem.
## Effects on Businesses and Consumers
The launch of CXP and CXF is anticipated to have significant implications for both businesses and consumers. By streamlining the process of migrating passkeys, these specifications will motivate more organizations to embrace passkeys as a secure authentication method. This transition will ultimately contribute to a wider departure from traditional passwords, which have long been viewed as the weakest aspect of security protocols.
## Final Thoughts
Although passkeys signify a notable progress in authentication security, the obstacle of vendor lock-in has impeded their widespread adoption. The FIDO Alliance’s introduction of the Credential Exchange Protocol and Credential Exchange Format signifies a crucial advancement in enhancing the usability of passkeys. By allowing seamless transitions between platforms, these specifications aim to render passkeys more accessible and user-friendly, paving the way for a future where passwords become obsolete. As both organizations and consumers embrace this change, the landscape of digital security is destined to become more resilient and secure.
