Have you ever worried that your digital signatures could get hacked? Maybe you've read about massive password leaks, or perhaps you just find it hard to keep your logins secure and easy to use. The world of electronic signatures is evolving, and there's a fresh way to sign in that's getting attention from tech giants and leading platforms: passkeys.
In this guide, we'll untangle what passkeys are, why big companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft now offer them, and how they can make e-signatures safer for everyone – from solo freelancers to the largest businesses. If you're curious about upgrading your document security or just tired of remembering another password, you're in the right place.
Why the world is moving beyond passwords
Let's be honest. Passwords are a headache. You forget them. You’re asked to change them. And sometimes, despite your best efforts, cybercriminals break in anyway. The problem isn't small. In July 2025, news stories about a huge data breach putting 16 billion credentials at risk set off alarm bells for good reasons.
Hackers don’t have to be faster than the best password – they just need to find the weakest link. Password reuse, weak passwords, and phishing scams make the whole structure shaky. Businesses and individuals lose trust when documents or contracts end up in the wrong hands.
Passkeys are changing the game for good.
So, what are passkeys?
Passkeys are short for “passwordless keys.” Instead of typing in a code only you supposedly know, passkeys use something you have – your device, your fingerprint, your face – and something you are (biometrics), to unlock your account.
Here’s the trick: A passkey is made up of two parts. There’s a public key saved at the service (say, CloudSign.ie), and a private key held safely on your device. When you sign in, your device tells the site, “Here’s my part, let’s check if it matches.” The real critical bit never leaves your phone or computer.
- No more guessing. Hackers don’t have a password to steal.
- No more phishing. Passkeys can’t be tricked onto fake websites.
- Easy and quick. Unlock with a touch or a glance, and you’re in.
Your fingerprint becomes your key. Not a string of numbers to remember.
If you want extra detail, our article explaining how passkeys help keep e-signatures safer breaks down the technology, with examples that make it clear how this all works in practice.
Big tech is backing passkeys – and it's for good reason
When Apple, Google, and Microsoft start moving in the same direction, it’s usually a sign of something big. Each of these giants has made passkeys an option (or even the default) on their platforms. For example, a recent report on Microsoft's rollout describes how their new approach lets users sign in across Windows, Android, and iOS – using facial recognition, fingerprints, or PINs.
Apple integrates passkeys with Touch ID and Face ID. Google allows Android users to use their device biometrics too. The direction is crystal clear: the tech leaders want everyone to use passwordless sign-ins, making breaches and phishing far less effective.
Why? Preventing breaches saves massive costs, frustration, and legal headaches caused by data theft. It's not a trend – it's the way digital identity is going.
Passwords break. Passkeys just work.
Why passkeys matter for electronic signatures
With digital signatures and document workflow platforms like CloudSign.ie, your login isn't just about convenience. It's about the legal power behind your documents. Imagine approving a new contract, only for an attacker to slip in and change the details. Security here isn’t just an extra, it’s part of your reputation and your peace of mind.
Our approach to e-signature security includes more than just strong encryption. We focus on the critical access points: how people log in and who has the authority to sign important papers.
- Passkeys mean only you can access your account – not someone with a leaked password.
- There's no way for criminals to phish your credentials with convincing fake login screens.
- Your workflow doesn’t slow down. If anything, it's smoother.
Want to see the bigger picture for e-signature legality? Our guide to Irish e-signature laws 2024 details security standards and explains why modern authentication matters.
How to use passkeys in cloudsign.ie
We know our users want fast, secure access from anywhere, whether on a phone in the café or at the office desk. CloudSign.ie now supports passkey login.
- Sign up for an account on CloudSign.ie. Our free electronic signature guide can help get you started if you have never used digital signing before.
- Go to Settings inside your account.
- Look for the “Enable passkey login” option.
- Follow the steps to link your device’s fingerprint, face, or PIN as your sign-in method.
- Next time you log in, just use your registered device – no password entry required.
If you’re switching from competitors like DocuSign or PandaDoc, you’ll notice CloudSign.ie stands apart. We don’t just match features – we give you better security with simple, modern access, even on our generous free plan for individuals. Other providers may talk a lot about security, but passkey support is one of the ways we lead by action, not only words.
Upgrading to passkeys is one of the biggest security leaps you can make with almost no effort.
This is not just a theory. In a December 2024 Associated Press article, experts agree that passkeys mean fewer phishing attacks and that the login process becomes easier for everyone.
Real world workflow: what does it feel like?
Signing in with a passkey is almost too easy. It goes like this:
- Open CloudSign.ie and select 'Sign in with passkey'.
- Your device prompts you for your fingerprint, face scan, or PIN.
- You’re in. That’s it.
No wobbly SMS codes. No emails to check. Just your personal device doing the hard work. Signing documents from your laptop at home or the phone on the train? Same smooth process.
If you'd like a gentle introduction to digital signatures in general, our beginner's guide to electronic signatures lays it out step by step, with tips for anyone moving away from paper-based workflows.
Getting started: why now is the best time to switch
You might not notice 16 billion leaked passwords, but you don’t want to be the next headline. Modern business runs at the speed of trust. Secure your e-signature account with the best authentication technology.
CloudSign.ie gives you advanced passkey support, continuous improvements, and simple controls. If you want even more tips for picking the right digital signature software, our top e-signature tools guide cuts through the jargon so you get exactly what you need.
Your next secure e-signature is one touch away.
Ready to make your documents safer and your workflow simpler? If you haven't tried CloudSign.ie yet, register today and start exploring our free plan. 21 envelopes per month are yours to use. Find out why more businesses and individuals choose us when security, speed, and trust matter most.
Frequently asked questions about passkeys and e-signature security
What is a passkey for e-signatures?
A passkey is a modern way to log in and confirm your identity for digital services, including e-signature platforms. Instead of relying on a password, a passkey uses device-based authentication, such as a fingerprint or face scan. For e-signatures, this means you can prove it’s really you signing a document, using something only your device can provide. Our article on securing e-signatures with passkeys covers this in more depth.
How do passkeys improve e-signature security?
Passkeys improve e-signature security by removing the risks tied to passwords, like theft, weak creation, or phishing. Instead of a password, your device stores a private key that never leaves it. When you authenticate, the platform verifies your identity with this unique key, meaning only your device can unlock your account. Hackers can't steal a passkey through email tricks or data leaks – it’s bound to you, not just a piece of code.
Are passkeys safer than traditional passwords?
Yes, definitely. Passkeys are safer because they're not easy to guess, share, or phish. According to the Associated Press report, passkeys use biometrics or PINs, and cannot be reused or hacked via fake sites. Big tech and security experts now urge users to switch because recent data breaches of billions of old-style passwords show how weak they are by comparison.
How can I set up a passkey?
Setting up a passkey in CloudSign.ie is easy. You first create your account, then go to your account Settings. Look for 'Enable passkey login' and follow the instructions. Usually, this involves your device prompting you to confirm your fingerprint, face scan, or device PIN. Once you’ve done that, logging in with a passkey takes just a moment and keeps your account safe.
Is it worth switching to passkeys?
It certainly is. Passkeys are more secure, easier to use, and are the direction that major platforms are moving towards. CloudSign.ie has added passkey support so both individuals and businesses can confidently secure their e-signature accounts. There’s less chance of a breach and the login experience is just faster and less stressful. Now is the perfect time to start benefiting from passkeys!