New access key specifications will allow users to import and export them

Passkeys were introduced two years ago, and they replace traditional passwords with more secure authentication using a security key or biometrics. To make the technology even better, the FIDO Alliance published new specifications for passkeys on Monday that allow users to import and export them.

Users Will Soon Be Able to Import and Export Passkeys

Currently, there is no secure way to move access keys between different password managers. For example, if you have a specific access key saved in the Apple Passwords app, you can’t just move it to 1Password or vice versa. But that’s about to change.

As just announced by the FIDO Alliance, new specifications aim to encourage user choice by offering a way to import and export access keys. The draft of the new specifications establishes the Credential Exchange Protocol (CXP) and Credential Exchange Format (CXF) formats for transferring not only access keys, but other types of credentials will also be supported.

The new formats are encrypted, ensuring that the credentials are secure during the process. By comparison, most password managers currently use CSV files to import and export credentials, which is much less secure.

1Password, which worked with the FIDO Alliance on the new specifications, has already committed to supporting the new access key import and export formats once they become available. Other companies like Dashlane, Bitwarden, NordPass, and Google have also worked on the draft of the new specifications.

While nothing was said about Apple, the company is also part of the FIDO Alliance and was one of the first to introduce access key support in 2022 with iOS 16. As for the Apple ecosystem, access keys sync with other Apple devices via iCloud. Users can authenticate with a passkey on other devices by scanning a QR code with their iPhone.

Despite today's announcement, it's unlikely that the new passkey specifications will become available later this year, as the designs still need to be reviewed by the industry first.