Why passkeys work differently for employees than they do for customers
Helping the right people get the right access
When companies grow, so does the number of tools, apps, and systems people need to use. Making sure only the right people have access to the right things is a big part of keeping data safe.
That’s where identity and access management, or IAM, steps in.
If you’re interested in a more detailed and technical explanation of how passkeys fit into workforce IAM, you can read the full guide here.
But the way we manage access has changed. Passwords, which used to be the standard, now cause more problems than they solve. They’re hard to remember, easy to steal, and often reused. That’s why more companies are moving to something better: passkeys.
Passkeys are not one-size-fits-all
You may have heard about passkeys for logging in to websites or apps as a customer. But inside a company, the same passkey technology needs to work differently.
- For customers, passkeys live on their personal phones or laptops. They use them on whatever device they like.
- For employees, things are stricter. The company often provides the device or sets security rules. They need to know who’s logging in, from where, and with what device.
So while both customers and employees can use passkeys, the way passkeys are issued, used, and managed has to be different in the workplace.
What are mobile-bound passkeys?
In the workforce, one useful approach is called mobile-bound passkeys. This means the passkey is stored only on one, specific mobile device like a company-managed phone and cannot be copied or used elsewhere.
This makes it easier for security teams to enforce policies. For example:
- They can require that only registered phones can be used for login.
- They can block access from personal devices.
- If the device is lost or the person leaves the company, access can be easily revoked.
Mobile-bound passkeys offer strong security without depending on cloud sync or trusting unknown devices which is especially important in corporate settings.
Why companies need control
Let’s say an employee leaves the company. Their access must be removed right away. Or imagine a team member trying to log in from a personal phone that isn’t secure that might be a risk the company doesn’t want to take.
This is why IT and security teams need visibility and control over how passkeys are used at work. They need to decide:
- Who can use passkeys
- What devices are trusted
- When access should be allowed or blocked
Tools like Secfense help companies do this without changing any of their existing systems. They make it easy to roll out passkeys, apply rules, and see what’s happening all in one place.
The big benefits for companies
Here’s why more organizations are replacing passwords and text codes with passkeys for their workforce:
- No more phishing: Passkeys can’t be stolen like passwords.
- Less IT support: No more “forgot password” tickets.
- Faster login: Biometric unlock (like fingerprint) makes access quick and easy.
- Better control: IT teams can set clear rules on who can use what.
- Safe by design: Even if servers are hacked, the attacker can’t reuse passkeys.
It’s not just about security, it’s also about simplicity
Companies want to keep their data safe, but also want their teams to work without constant friction. Passkeys offer a way to have both.
Employees don’t need to remember anything. They just tap their fingerprint or face ID. And companies stay protected without relying on passwords or SMS codes.
Want to learn more?
If your company is exploring how to improve identity and access management — especially for employees — and you’re wondering if passkeys are the right choice, we’re happy to help.
📞 Talk to a Secfense expert: Contact us
