Many people still use super easy passwords for their social media accounts (like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok), and that can be a big problem. Codes like "123456789," birth dates, common names, or famous characters are a piece of cake for anyone trying to gain unauthorized access.
The truth is, hackers don’t need to work magic to figure them out. Sometimes a bit of logic is enough; other times, they use programs designed to try thousands of combinations in seconds or phishing techniques that work better than you'd think. And of course, by the time you realize it, it's already too late.
Ideally, you should use stronger passwords: long ones that mix uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. That goes a long way in keeping your accounts safe. But let’s be honest: when a password is too complicated, it’s easy to forget. That’s why many people end up saving them in their browser or—worse—using the same one everywhere.
The best approach would be to have a different password for each account, but that doesn’t always happen. And that’s where access keys come in—a growingly popular option. They’re fast, secure, and you don’t have to type anything to log in. Sounds good, right?
So, with these two options on the table, the question is: which one is better and how does each one work? If you care about your digital security (and you should), this is for you. We break it all down below.
What’s the Difference Between a Password and an Access Key?
Today, cyberattacks are more frequent and more sophisticated. And yes, even if you use password managers or two-factor authentication (2FA), the risk is always there. Viruses, malware, and hackers don’t take breaks. When it comes to protecting your accounts, there are two main options that often cause confusion: traditional passwords and access keys (or passkeys). And no, they’re not the same.
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Let’s start with the basics: What is a password?
Passwords are that classic code you create to access your accounts. They can be a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. The longer and more complex, the better. The problem is that, no matter how strong they are, passwords are stored on servers—and if that server is compromised... well, you know what happens. That’s why it’s recommended to change them periodically.
So, What Are Access Keys?
Access keys are a more modern and secure way to log in. They’re based on cryptography and work with biometric authentication: fingerprint, facial recognition, or even a PIN. In other words, you don’t have to type anything or remember any passwords. You simply use something you already have with you—your face, your finger, or your device.
What’s more, no “key” is stored on hackable servers, because everything is securely protected within your own device. That’s what makes them so secure.
Which One Is Better for Logging In?
It depends on how you look at it, but when it comes to security, access keys have the upper hand. Traditional passwords are still useful if done right—long, unique, and changed regularly. But they do have their weaknesses: they’re vulnerable to phishing attacks, and if you reuse the same one across multiple sites, you’re taking a big risk.
On the other hand, access keys eliminate the need to remember passwords, are resistant to fraud, and there are no credentials to steal since you’re not sharing anything with anyone. Plus, because they’re tied to your device and your biometrics, it’s almost impossible for someone else to use them.
Where Can You Use Access Keys?
The best part is that many platforms already support them. For example:
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Google has them available on Android and Chrome.
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Microsoft uses them in Windows, Edge, and its apps.
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Apple has implemented them in iOS, iCloud, and Safari.
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Meta (Facebook and Instagram) is starting to integrate them too.
So if you already use any of these services, chances are you can activate access keys easily. Just go to your security settings and follow the steps.
Read more: Risks of Using AI to Create Passwords: A Dangerous Practice
So… What Should You Do?
Ideally, you should combine everything you can. It’s not about choosing one over the other, but about adding layers of protection.
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Use strong passwords where access keys aren’t available yet.
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Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all your accounts.
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And wherever possible, turn on access key login.
The more robust your security setup, the fewer chances an attacker has to break into your accounts. In the end, it’s about staying one step ahead.
Protecting your digital identity doesn’t have to be complicated. You just need to understand how these tools work and use them to your advantage. And the best part? They’re getting easier to set up every day—so there’s no excuse not to start today.