What is a Mobile-Bound Passkey?
A Mobile-Bound Passkey is a passwordless authentication method in which a cryptographic key (passkey) is stored exclusively on a single, authorized mobile device. Unlike synchronized passkeys, which can be copied and stored in the cloud, a Mobile-Bound Passkey cannot be migrated to other devices. The private key is securely stored within a dedicated application and linked to a protected environment on the device, such as a Secure Element or Trusted Platform Module (TPM).
This approach gives organizations full control over user authentication while eliminating risks associated with cloud storage. Mobile-Bound Passkey combines strong security with user convenience, addressing enterprise needs for identity and access management (IAM).
How Does a Mobile-Bound Passkey Work?
- Registration – The user registers a Mobile-Bound Passkey on their mobile device using a dedicated application. A cryptographic key is generated and securely stored in the device’s protected environment.
- Authentication – When the user attempts to access a system (e.g., a corporate application), authentication is performed using the key stored on the phone—without the need for a password.
- No Synchronization – The private key is not copied or stored in the cloud, eliminating the risk of unauthorized access.
Mobile-Bound Passkeys follow FIDO2 and WebAuthn standards, making them compatible with enterprise IAM systems such as SAML, OAuth, and OpenID Connect without requiring modifications to existing applications.
Benefits of Mobile-Bound Passkey
1. Increased Security
- The private key is stored locally, removing the risk of compromise from cloud breaches.
- Since passkeys cannot be copied or synced, there is no risk of unauthorized migration to other devices.
- Hardware-based security mechanisms, such as Secure Element or TPM, protect against phishing and man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks.
2. Full Enterprise Control
- Organizations can enforce the use of Mobile-Bound Passkeys exclusively on company-approved devices.
- Eliminates the need for physical security keys, such as YubiKeys, simplifying logistics and reducing costs.
- Allows centralized management of authentication policies, ensuring compliance with security regulations.
3. Compliance with Security Regulations
- Mobile-Bound Passkeys meet the requirements of PSD2, which prohibits storing authentication keys in the cloud.
- Helps companies comply with NIS2, DORA, and GDPR, which emphasize strong authentication and data protection.
- Aligns with Zero Trust Security principles by reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
4. Improved User Experience
- Fast and seamless authentication—users log in using their phone instead of entering passwords.
- No need to remember or manage multiple passwords.
- Works with biometric authentication (Face ID, fingerprint), providing a simple yet secure login process.
Where Can Mobile-Bound Passkey Be Used?
Mobile-Bound Passkey is ideal for industries that require high levels of security and regulatory compliance.
1. Financial Services
- Banks and financial institutions can adopt Mobile-Bound Passkeys to comply with PSD2 and enhance security for both employees and customers.
- Eliminates the need for physical tokens for authentication.
2. Healthcare
- Hospitals and medical facilities can use Mobile-Bound Passkeys to protect patient data in compliance with HIPAA.
- Reduces the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive medical records.
3. Government and Public Sector
- Government agencies can implement Mobile-Bound Passkeys to secure systems and databases from unauthorized access.
- Avoiding cloud-based passkeys enhances national security and minimizes the risk of external interference.
4. Enterprises and Corporations
- Mobile-Bound Passkeys simplify workforce authentication, reducing password resets and login-related support tickets.
- Organizations can enforce authentication policies requiring the use of company-approved mobile devices.
Conclusion
Mobile-Bound Passkey is a breakthrough solution for enterprises looking to adopt passwordless authentication while maintaining full security control and compliance.
By keeping authentication keys exclusively on a single mobile device, Mobile-Bound Passkey eliminates risks associated with cloud storage and synchronization, delivering:
- Strong authentication powered by hardware-level security mechanisms.
- Full enterprise control, allowing organizations to enforce security policies.
- Regulatory compliance with industry security and data protection standards.
- Better user experience, eliminating the need for physical security keys or passwords.
For organizations seeking a secure and modern approach to passkey authentication, Mobile-Bound Passkey is an effective and scalable solution.
Want to learn more about implementing Mobile-Bound Passkeys in your organization? Contact a Secfense expert and watch our webinar on this topic.

Want to learn more about implementing Mobile-Bound Passkey in your organization? Contact a Secfense expert and download a special report on implementing passkeys in organizations.