Passwords Are Dying: Your Guide to Passkeys, Biometrics and Digital Identity
For decades, passwords have been the backbone of online security, protecting everything from email accounts to online banking. But now they’re gradually being replaced by newer, more secure ways of proving our identity online.
So, the question is:
What is replacing the password?
To answer that, we need to look at the stronger options taking their place. These technologies are not replacing passwords because passwords “failed”, but because the online world has evolved and we now have safer, easier ways to protect access.
Current Security: The Password.
Before we look at what comes next, it’s worth understanding why passwords are being upgraded.
Passwords rely on one thing: memory.
And that creates problems:
- People reuse them across multiple accounts
- They’re stored in databases that can be breached
- They can be guessed, cracked, or stolen
- Phishing scams trick people into giving them away
Even the strongest password can be compromised if it’s reused or exposed elsewhere.
Passwords haven’t become less secure because people are careless. Rather, they were designed for a much simpler internet than the one we use today.
Future Security Upgrades
Upgrade 1: Passkeys
Passkeys are one of the leading improvements in online security and are widely expected to play a major role in reducing our reliance on passwords.
Passkeys allow you to sign in without using a traditional password.
Instead of something you remember, they use secure cryptographic keys:
- A private key stored on your device
- A public key stored by the service
When you log in, your device proves it has the private key, usually after verifying your identity with a fingerprint, face scan, or PIN.
There's no password to remember, reuse or accidentally reveal in a phishing scam.
Why it matters: Even if a company is breached, attackers can’t use passkeys to access your account.
Upgrade 2: Biometrics
Fingerprints. Face recognition. Voice ID.
Biometrics have made secure login much more practical and convenient for everyday users.
They allow users to confirm their identity instantly, without needing to remember a password.
Importantly, biometric data is stored securely on your device, not shared with websites. It’s used to unlock or approve access, often as part of passkey systems.
Why it matters: Makes secure login faster and easier without sacrificing security.
Upgrade 3: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
A long-standing security improvement that helped strengthen password-based accounts.
MFA was introduced to strengthen passwords by adding extra layers, like:
- One-time codes
- Authentication apps
- Push notifications
It helped reduce account takeovers significantly, but it also highlighted a key issue:
If you need multiple layers to protect a password, the password itself may not be strong enough.
Some forms of MFA, such as SMS verification codes, can be vulnerable to interception or SIM-swap attacks. Other methods, such as push notifications, can be abused through "MFA fatigue", where repeated approval requests pressure users into accepting them.
Why it matters: MFA demonstrated that passwords alone were no longer sufficient to protect online accounts.
The Positive Shift...
So, what is replacing the password?
Not one single solution, but a stronger combination of modern security tools:
- Passkeys reduce the need for passwords
- Biometrics make secure login faster and easier
- MFA shows that passwords alone are no longer enough
Together, they represent a positive move away from passwords and toward safer, simpler ways to prove who we are online.
What This Means for You:
The shift is already happening. Many major platforms now support passwordless login, and more are following.
In practice, this means:
- Logging in with your face or fingerprint
- Approving access on your device instead of typing a password
- Fewer credentials to remember or manage
It’s not just more convenient, it’s significantly more secure.
How to Stay Safe in a Post-Password World.
Start using passkeys where available
They are currently the most secure login method.
Enable biometrics on your devices
This ensures only you can approve access.
Use authenticator apps instead of SMS codes
They are more resistant to modern attacks.
Use a password manager for remaining accounts
Until passwords are fully phased out.
Be cautious of unexpected login requests
Many attacks now rely on tricking users into approving access, not stealing passwords.
Moving Forward:
Passwords aren’t gone yet, but their role is becoming smaller as better options become more widely available.
What replaced them isn’t a single technology, but a shift in approach:
- from something you know,
- to something you have and are.
This is a positive change: we are reducing our reliance on passwords and moving toward security that is stronger, easier and better suited to the way we use the internet today.
We’ve partnered with BankVic to help keep our community safe from scams and criminal activity while online! Stay up to date with the latest tips and information in one convenient place, empowering you to prevent online crime and outsmart scammers. Together, we can create a safer internet for everyone!
Read articles here.
Been scammed?
Step 1
If you have given any financial details or have already lost money, contact your bank immediately.
It’s also important to change your passwords, monitor your accounts closely, and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file.
Step 2
Report the scam to police at cyber.gov.au or at your nearest police station.
Additionally, report the scam to Scamwatch and your local authorities to help prevent others from falling victim.
If you think you have been scammed online, IDCARE can help for free! Call 1800 595 160 or visit their website www.idcare.org
Step 3
Getting scammed online does not mean you are not smart. Cybercrime keeps changing, so anyone can be a target. Do not be embarrassed or hard on yourself! Learn about new scams and take steps to stay safe instead.
If you need support after falling victim to a scam talk to friends and family or contact:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Step 4
If you have given any financial details or have already lost money, contact your bank immediately.aFinally, talk about different types of emerging scams and if you have been scammed share your experience with family and friends so they can better recognise the signs of scams.
Smart Scam Guide
Download a comprehensive guide to spotting scams. Download to learn about the most common scams and what to do if you have fallen victim to one.
