Amazon rolls out passwordless passkey for iOS and Web

Amazon allows customers to sign in to shopping app for iOS or Web page by passkey. Coming soon for Android

Passkey is now becoming a traditional security login method
adopted by many famous companies including Apple, Google, Samsung, and
WhatsApp. Now Amazon joined the passkey parade ー Earlier today, Amazon announced a
new passwordless passkey security support for iOS and Web browsers. This
provides the user with more privacy and security for their data.

What is a Passkey?

Passkey is an alternative method of user authentication,
which eliminates the need for a password and username. Cybersecurity
professionals considers password-based methods more endangered to phishing
attacks and hacking attempts. Passkey provides more secure, faster, and easier
sign-in to websites and apps. The passkey is stronger and more resistant to
phishing attacks than the user’s two-factor authentication, as the passkey is
stored in user’s device.

Amazon provides a passkey feature to the customer which enhances security and easier sign-in authentication for online service. Customers can set a passkey for sign-in by adopting similar methods they use to unlock the devices with a fingerprint, face scan, or lock screen PIN. This will eliminate the need for passwords, which are sometimes difficult to remember and can be reused in case of theft or guessing.

Amazon passkey on iOS | Image: Amazon

How to set up an Amazon Passkey

To set up a passkey, the customer needs to log in to the
Amazon account, and go to “Your Account”, select “Login &
Security” and then follow simple step-by-step instructions. Once they have
done the setup process, they can sign in with a passkey on supported devices
and browsers. For now, it has rolled out on iOS devices and Web Browser, but
Amazon promised to release soon for Android devices also.

Dave Treadwell, senior vice president of e-commerce at
Amazon said in a blog” While passwords will still be around in the foreseeable
future, this is an exciting step in the right direction. We are thrilled to be
an early adopter of this new authentication method, helping to realize our
vision for a more secure, passwordless internet“.

Andrew Shikar, executive director and chief marketing
officer of FIDO Alliance statement also mentioned by Amazon: “Passkeys fundamentally shift the way we
sign in to our online accounts for the better — and seeing Amazon roll out
passkeys is evidence of its commitment to its customers’ time, experiences, and
security across Amazon web and mobile shopping experiences.”

Amazon truly considers the passkey an important step in
improving the easiness for customers and they promised to encourage customers
to adopt the passkey. It seems that companies are moving towards passwordless
sign-in authentication.