LastPass adds passkey support for free and premium users – but there's a catch

Passwords are so last century, and passkeys are the future. Passkeys replace the traditional strings of random — or not-so-random –characters with a more secure method of authentication. 

A passkey consists of a public key that is registered with an online service or application, and a private key that is securely stored on a device, such as a smartphone or computer. This private key is protected by biometric security measures, including fingerprint recognition or facial recognition, ensuring that only the authorized user can access their accounts.

Also: What are passkeys? Experience the life-changing magic of going passwordless

Combine the two, and, Voilà! — you get access to the site or service.

Passkeys not only enhance security by reducing the risk of password theft or phishing attacks, but they also provide a more convenient user experience. Users no longer need to remember complex passwords or worry about them falling into the hands of the bad guys. Instead, authentication becomes fast and seamless, enabling users to access their accounts with a touch or a glance.

Passkeys are set to become the standard for secure online authentication, paving the way for a safer digital future.

The problem is that if you use multiple devices, it can be hard to share passkeys between them. Google has made strides in this area, as have the password manager makers. And now LastPass is adding passkey support to its password manager.

But there are a few catches.

While passkey support is being rolled out to both free and premium LastPass users, passkey support is currently in beta and limited to Google Chrome on desktop computers. If you’re not a current LastPass user and are thinking of using it because it’s free, note the very restrictive free usage policy that limits users to using LastPass either on mobile devices or computers.

Also: 7 essential password rules to follow, according to security experts

Because the passkeys feature is currently in beta and not yet enabled for everyone, so you have to activate it manually:

• Log into your LastPass account online.
• Click Account Settings in the left-hand menu.
• In the default General tab, scroll down to Beta Features where you’ll find passkeys and check “Save and use passkeys.”
• Click Update at the bottom of the page and enter your master password to confirm.

You’ll have to close and reopen the Chrome browser before you can save the first passkey. You can then use the LastPass extension in Chrome to create, save, and log in with passkeys on sites that support this authentication method.