Passkey Authentication with Rodauth

2023/07/24

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Passkeys are a modern alternative to passwords, where the user’s device performs the authentication, usually requiring some form of user verification (biometric identification, PIN). Passkeys are built on top of WebAuthn specification, which is based on public-key cryptography. Keypairs are created for each website, and the public key is sent to the server, while the private key is securely stored on the device. This makes passkeys more secure and reduces the risk of data breaches.

Rodauth, a Ruby gem, provides first-class support for passkeys, implemented on top of the webauthn-ruby gem. It enables using passkeys as a multifactor authentication method or for passwordless login and registration. Rodauth simplifies the setup process by providing routes, views, database storage, and the complete JavaScript part that interacts with the Web Authentication API.

The article demonstrates how to set up passkeys in a Rails app using rodauth-rails. It covers the steps for enabling passkeys as a multifactor authentication method and for implementing passwordless login. The author also mentions that iCloud Keychain sync is required for Apple passkeys.

This article is valuable for developers interested in implementing passkey authentication in their Ruby applications. It provides a comprehensive guide on setting up passkeys using Rodauth and highlights the benefits of using passkeys as a more secure and convenient authentication method.