Tech moves so quickly that, before you know it, go-to solutions quickly start to feel like yesterday’s solution to today’s problems. If your team are still juggling SMS codes and authenticator apps just to log in, you’re not alone – but you might be falling behind. With cyber attackers getting more sophisticated, even multi-factor authentication (MFA) has its flaws.
That’s why more businesses are moving toward passkeys—a simpler, faster, and more secure way to protect access without relying on passwords or code copying. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about staying ahead of threats, cutting down on support headaches, and keeping in step with compliance standards like Cyber Essentials.
In this guide, we’ll break down the passkey benefits that matter to your business, explain how to plan a secure rollout, and show you how to align your transition with modern cyber security best practices. Whether you’re just curious or ready to ditch MFA altogether, this is your step-by-step starting point.
Why Traditional MFA No Longer Cuts It
Multi-factor authentication was once a big leap forward for business cyber security, providing an extra layer of protection beyond passwords. But in practice, its limitations are starting to show. Attackers have adapted, and they’re starting to crack the codes – this article in particular highlights a recent threat that completely bypasses two-factor authentication. SIM-swapping, phishing campaigns, and even “MFA fatigue” tactics (where users unknowingly approve fraudulent login attempts) are now common ways to bypass traditional MFA methods. If your business is relying on SMS codes or basic authenticator apps, it’s not a question of if those methods will be tested but when.
These outdated tools also create friction for users and headaches for IT teams. Constant code requests, forgotten devices, and reset loops lead to frustration and lost productivity.
But it goes beyond usability too. With frameworks like Cyber Essentials raising the bar, sticking with legacy MFA could leave you struggling to meet the latest compliance standards. Today’s security demands call for smarter, more modern MFA solutions—like passkeys—that are designed to keep up with how threats actually work.
What Are Passkeys – And Why They Matter
Think of passkeys as the evolution of authentication – built to be both safer and smoother than traditional MFA. Rather than relying on something you know (like a password) or something you manually enter (like a code), passkeys use a pair of cryptographic keys to confirm identity in the background.
Here’s how it works:
· A public key is stored by the service you’re logging into.
· A private key stays securely on your device and never leaves it.
When you sign in, the service checks that the two keys match—without ever needing to send or store sensitive information. No passwords, no codes, no chance for attackers to phish or intercept your login.
From a user’s point of view, it’s seamless. You log in by scanning your fingerprint, using face recognition, or entering your device PIN. That’s it.
For businesses, passkeys aren’t just a user-experience upgrade – they’re a smarter, more resilient approach to modern MFA. They’re resistant to phishing, immune to password reuse, and fully in line with today’s cyber security standards. In short, they’re the foundation of a safer, password-free future.
The Business Benefits of Switching to Passkeys
Making the move to passkeys is both a technical upgrade and a strategic one. From reducing risk to improving employee experience, the passkey benefits for businesses stack up quickly.
1. Stronger Cyber Security
Passkeys are phishing-resistant by design. Because the private key never leaves the user’s device and can’t be shared, there’s nothing for attackers to intercept or trick users into revealing. This alone makes passkeys a major step up from SMS-based MFA.
2. Seamless User Experience
No more juggling multiple apps, copying codes, or waiting for messages to arrive. With passkeys, users log in with a fingerprint, face scan, or device PIN – it’s simple, fast, and frustration-free.
3. Lower IT Support Costs
Forgotten passwords and broken MFA apps are a drain on helpdesks. Passkeys eliminate many of these everyday issues, freeing up IT support teams and improving user satisfaction.
4. Compliance-Ready
Frameworks like Cyber Essentials are evolving to reflect the latest in modern MFA. By adopting passkeys, businesses can align more closely with current and future compliance requirements, reducing audit stress and compliance risks.
Passkeys offer a rare win-win: improved security and a smoother experience for users and admins alike.
The Steps to Replacing MFA with Passkeys
Switching to passkeys doesn’t have to be all or nothing. A phased, well-planned rollout allows you to boost cyber security while keeping things smooth for users. Here’s how to make the transition confidently and securely:
1. Audit Your Current MFA Setup
Start by reviewing which systems currently use traditional MFA—such as SMS or app-based codes—and where the biggest pain points or vulnerabilities lie. This helps you prioritise your efforts and identify any blockers early.
2. Identify Passkey-Compatible Platforms
Many major platforms, including Microsoft, Google, and Apple, now support passkeys. Review which of your tools and services already offer support and plan any necessary upgrades.
3. Pilot the Rollout with a Small Group
Before going organisation-wide, run a pilot with a test group – ideally a department with tech-savvy users or low-risk access. This allows you to iron out any onboarding issues and gather useful feedback.
4. Update Internal Policies and Documentation
Passkeys may require new internal processes around access control, device management, and authentication. Update your policies and ensure they align with compliance frameworks like Cyber Essentials.
5. Educate Your Team
For a smooth rollout, user education is essential. Focus on the passkey benefits—faster access, fewer login issues, and better protection—and provide clear, simple instructions to ease the transition.
6. Work with a Trusted Cyber Security Partner
Getting expert help ensures your rollout is secure, efficient, and tailored to your business. An IT support provider can guide you through planning, deployment, and long-term management – keeping your modern MFA strategy aligned with best practices.
Overcoming Common Challenges
While the switch to passkeys brings clear advantages, it’s important to plan for a few bumps along the way. Here’s how to tackle the most common hurdles businesses face during the transition:
Legacy Systems Compatibility
Not all platforms or internal tools are passkey-ready. Identify legacy systems early and create a roadmap for phasing them out, upgrading them, or maintaining secure alternatives until they can be replaced.
User Resistance or Confusion
Change can be uncomfortable, especially when it affects something as routine as how people log in – consider how many different log-ins you have; a NordPass survey found that the average number of passwords for business-related accounts is 87. Clear communication about the passkey benefits, plus hands-on guidance during rollout, can ease concerns and build confidence.
Policy and Compliance Alignment
Introducing a new authentication method means revisiting your internal policies. Ensure your documentation, training, and access controls reflect the new setup—and that everything aligns with Cyber Essentials requirements and your wider cyber security posture.
The key is to treat the transition as a strategic change – not just a technical one. With the right approach, the switch to modern MFA becomes a valuable opportunity to strengthen your organisation’s overall security and resilience.
Redinet: Helping You Future-Proof Your Business with Passkeys
Traditional MFA had its moment, but cyber threats have moved on, and so should your defences. Passkeys offer a smarter, simpler way to secure access, reduce human error, and keep your business compliant with evolving frameworks.
At Redinet, we help businesses like yours take that next step with confidence. From audits to implementation and beyond, we guide you through every stage of the transition – ensuring your authentication strategy is not only secure but future-ready.
Replacing outdated methods streamlines login experiences, reduces IT workload, and aligns with the direction the industry is heading. With the right support and a phased rollout, the switch to modern MFA can be smooth, strategic, and genuinely transformative. Ready to speak to an expert? Let’s talk about how passkeys can work for your business.
