November 2025 Volume 7

OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT

How to Get Started Using Passkeys To see how passkeys work, set them up on one or two accounts as a test. 1. Enable a Passkey-Compatible Account Some accounts will give you the option to set up a passkey after you sign in with your traditional username and password. Or, log in to your account settings and look for the “Passkey” or “Passwordless” option. 2.Note Where Your Passkey is Stored and How It’s Synced Know which device your passkey is stored on and understand if it’s synced across your ecosystem (for example, iCloud Passwords & Keychain for Apple devices or Google Password Manager for Android and Chrome users). If it’s synced, you can log in on your laptop using a passkey stored on your phone, or vice versa, as long as you’re in the same ecosystem. 3. Consider Using a Cross-Platform Password Manager If you use multiple platforms, a third-party password manager (like Keeper) can help you access your passkeys across devices and ecosystems. Generally, we suggest using a specialized password manager rather than a browser-based manager as an additional security layer. But nothing is foolproof, and all password managers come with their own risks.

Passkeys represent a major step forward in online security, offering a future where login credentials can’t be guessed, stolen, or phished. As passkeys become the new standard, expect increased pressure from cyberattackers on any accounts still protected by passwords or other phishable sign-in methods. Over time, passkeys are likely to replace traditional passwords, helping keep everyone safer.

Jim Kerr is President of CRU Solutions, a leading Cleveland-based managed IT services firm he founded in 1982. CRU Solutions has been serving the team at FIA for over 10 years. www.crusolutions.com Email: jim.kerr@crusolutions.com

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