How do I back up my passkeys to a hardware security key

Backing up your passkeys to a hardware security key involves a few steps. Here's how you can do it:

Requirements

  • Hardware Security Key: You need a compatible hardware security key like a YubiKey.

  • Device Compatibility: Ensure your device supports passkeys and hardware security keys.

Steps to Back Up Passkeys to a Hardware Security Key

  1. Access Passkey Settings:

    • On an iOS device, navigate to the app or website where you created the passkey. Look for options related to security or account settings.

    • On other devices, access the password manager or security settings where your passkeys are stored.

  2. Backup Option:

    • Look for an option to back up or export your passkey. This might be under "More options" or similar.

    • If using a password manager like Bitwarden, ensure it supports exporting passkeys to hardware keys.

  3. Use Hardware Security Key:

    • Connect your hardware security key to your device.

    • Follow the on-screen instructions to transfer the passkey to the hardware security key. This process may involve authenticating with your device's biometric or PIN.

  4. Verify the Backup:

    • Once the passkey is transferred, verify that it works by attempting to log in using the hardware security key.

Additional Tips

  • Security Keys Limitations: Hardware security keys have limited storage capacity (e.g., YubiKey can store up to 25 passkeys).

  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Ensure the hardware security key is compatible with your devices and platforms.

  • Passkey Security: Passkeys stored on hardware security keys are more secure as they are device-bound and cannot be copied or synced without physical access to the key13.

Example with YubiKey

If you are using a YubiKey, you might need to use specific software or tools to manage and store passkeys on the key. Refer to the YubiKey documentation for detailed instructions on how to store and manage passkeys14.

Citations:

  1. https://docs.yubico.com/hardware/yubikey-guidance/best-practices/all-faq-passkeys.html
  2. https://www.reddit.com/r/Bitwarden/comments/18580di/hardware_security_key_vs_passkey/
  3. https://safety.google/authentication/passkey/
  4. https://www.1password.community/discussions/1password/how-to-save-passkey-to-external-security-key-yubikey-with-1password-enabled-on-m/56345
  5. https://bitwarden.com/help/storing-passkeys/
  6. https://nordpass.com/blog/what-is-hardware-security-key/
  7. https://www.passkeys.com/apple-passkey-ios-passkeys-guide
  8. https://www.passkeycentral.org/introduction-to-passkeys/how-passkeys-work
  9. https://www.kelsercorp.com/blog/security-keys-and-passkeys-how-they-protect-your-devices-from-threats
  10. https://docs.github.com/en/authentication/authenticating-with-a-passkey/managing-your-passkeys
  11. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/entra/identity/authentication/how-to-enable-passkey-fido2
  12. https://fidoalliance.org/passkeys/
  13. https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/13548313?hl=en
  14. https://rublon.com/blog/passkeys-vs-security-keys-difference/
  15. https://www.passkeys.com/how-to-create-a-passkey
  16. https://www.reddit.com/r/yubikey/comments/1ei5kcs/yubikey_passkey_backup_to_another_yubikey_possible/
  17. https://accutivesecurity.com/guide-to-passkeys-and-hardware-security-tokens-yubikeys/
  18. https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-security-keys/
  19. https://www.secretsofprivacy.com/p/lost-your-hardware-security-key-here-are-your-options?action=share
  20. https://docs.github.com/en/authentication/authenticating-with-a-passkey/about-passkeys