Password management service LastPass has introduced passkey support for both its free and premium users, marking a significant advancement in the company’s push toward passwordless authentication. The new feature is currently in beta and is exclusively available to Google Chrome users on desktop platforms, joining other major technology companies in the growing adoption of FIDO-based passkey technology.
The implementation of passkeys provides an alternative to traditional passwords by using a public-private key system. The public key is registered with online services, while the private key remains securely stored on the user’s device, protected by biometric authentication methods such as fingerprint or facial recognition. This approach aligns with the FIDO Alliance’s standards for secure authentication.
Users interested in accessing the passkey feature must manually activate it through their LastPass account settings. The process involves logging in online, accessing Account Settings, navigating to Beta Features, and enabling the “Save and use passkeys” option. A browser restart is required to complete the activation.
LastPass’s existing security infrastructure includes 256-bit AES encryption, which is utilized by banking institutions and military organizations. The platform operates on a zero-knowledge architecture, ensuring that user data remains encrypted at the device level, with master passwords never stored on LastPass servers. This security approach has become increasingly important following industry-wide shifts toward enhanced authentication methods.
The service offers multiple two-factor authentication options, including compatibility with third-party authenticator apps such as Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator. Users can also access their vault through passwordless methods on trusted devices using biometric verification, USB security keys, or push notifications, reflecting the industry’s broader trend toward biometric authentication in password management.
For family users, LastPass provides specialized features including a Family Sharing Dashboard for managing shared folders and passwords with customizable permissions. The platform also incorporates various account recovery mechanisms, such as SMS recovery, familiar device recovery, and biometric recovery options.
The beta rollout of passkey support represents LastPass’s continued evolution in secure authentication methods, building upon their established security features while moving toward more streamlined user authentication processes. This development follows similar implementations by other major platforms, including Microsoft’s recent addition of third-party passkey support to Windows 11.
Sources: ZDNet, Safety Detectives, Safety Detectives
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