What is WebAuthn?
WebAuthn (Web Authentication) is a W3C standard that enables passwordless authentication through public key cryptography.
How it works
The server generates a challenge that the browser signs with a private key. The public key is stored on the server. Secrets are never shared.
Authenticator types
Platform authenticators
Touch ID, Face ID, Windows Hello. Built into the device.
Roaming authenticators
USB security keys (YubiKey, Google Titan), NFC or Bluetooth.
Passkeys
Synced across devices via iCloud Keychain, Google Password Manager, or 1Password.
Advantages
Eliminates phishing (no passwords to steal), improves user experience, and meets security regulations.
Implementation
Use navigator.credentials.create() for registration and navigator.credentials.get() for authentication. Libraries like SimpleWebAuthn simplify implementation.
Conclusion
WebAuthn is the future of web authentication. At Vynta we implement passkeys and WebAuthn for a secure, frictionless user experience.