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AnewVista Staff

Taking the Hassle Out of Logins: Biometrics and Passkeys for Seniors

As we age, navigating the online world can be a challenge. Remembering complex passwords for countless websites and apps can be frustrating and time-consuming. But what if there was a simpler, more secure way to manage our credentials? What if our online experiences could become smoother and more accessible by simply adopting biometrics and passkeys for seniors?

Biometrics: YOU Are the Key


image of Apple Face ID and Touch ID icons
Facial and Fingerprint Biometrics

Biometrics uses our unique physical characteristics, like fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scans, to verify identity. Fingerprint or facial scans can permit access to our bank accounts and favorite online stores without cumbersome passwords. Our smartphones, tablets, and laptops already feature biometric scanners as a convenient and secure way to unlock our devices.

Passkeys: A Secure Step Beyond Passwords

Passkeys are the next generation of login credentials. They are more secure than traditional passwords, as they are not stored on any server and cannot be phished or stolen. Instead, passkeys rely on biometrics combined with public key cryptography to create a unique digital key for website and service we access. Using a passkey is as simple as touching the device with our finger or holding our face in front of it.

Benefits of Biometrics and Passkeys Seniors


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Reduced Password Management

  • Reduced Frustration: Forget struggling to remember complex passwords! Biometrics and passkeys offer a more intuitive way to log in, eliminating the need to recall multiple passwords.

  • Enhanced Security: Biometrics are virtually impossible to forge, making them a more secure alternative to passwords. Passkeys further strengthen security by eliminating the risk of phishing attacks.

  • Increased Accessibility: Biometrics and passkeys can be easier for folks with memory issues or mobility challenges who find typing passwords difficult.

Growing Adoption of Passkeys

The ubiquity of biometrics on mobile devices and the ratification of passkey standards have accelerated the availability of passkeys credential verification. The cooperative efforts of Google, Apple, and Microsoft have made it simple for developers to integrate passkeys into their websites and apps.

Tips for Getting Started

  • Talk to tech-savvy family members or friends. They can help us set up biometrics on our devices and explain how passkeys work.

  • Be cautious of phishing attempts. Even with biometrics and passkeys, it's important to be aware of online scams. Don't click on links inside emails, avoid interacting with suspicious online links, and cautiously enter credential information on unfamiliar websites.

  • Consider using a password manager. While passkey adoption grows, password managers are still be a helpful tool. They can store and organize strong and unique passwords for all our online accounts and provide a central repository for our passkeys.

Biometrics and passkeys hold the promise of a more secure and user-friendly online experience for everyone. By embracing these new technologies, we empower ourselves to fully participate in the digital world with more confidence and greater ease.

ANVCS.org is always available to help and our recent class on Biometrics and Passkeys can be viewed by clicking here.


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