Despite being widely used, passkeys remain a weak link in online security and recent ransomware threats make matters worse. According to Verizon, nearly one-third of data breaches in the past decade stemmed from stolen credentials, including some of the most notorious cyberattacks in history.
The tech industry has been pushing passkeys as a more secure alternative to passwords. With over 15 billion accounts now capable of using passkeys, major players like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Microsoft are driving adoption. However, user hesitancy remains high, mainly due to poor portability and cumbersome usability.
Hawcx Wants to Solve Passkey Limitations
Hawcx, a cybersecurity startup, is tackling these issues by offering a new passwordless authentication system that enhances passkey benefits while eliminating their flaws.
While passkeys provide stronger security than passwords, setting them up and managing them across multiple devices can be complex. Dan Goodin from Ars Technica noted that passkey-related account lockouts and recovery costs can pose significant challenges for businesses deploying them at scale.
Hawcx’s innovative solution removes the burden of storing and syncing private keys, offering a more seamless and flexible approach.
How Hawcx’s Passwordless Technology Works
Founded in 2023 by Riya Shanmugam—a tech veteran with experience at Adobe, Google, and New Relic—alongside CTO Selva Kumaraswamy and Chief Scientist Ravi Ramaraju, Hawcx aims to simplify authentication while maintaining strong security standards.
The company’s approach enables developers to implement its authentication system with just five lines of code. Unlike traditional passkeys, which require private keys to be stored and synced, Hawcx dynamically generates private keys upon each login, removing the need for storage.
This unique cryptographic method makes Hawcx’s technology compatible even with older devices that lack the advanced hardware required for passkeys.
No More Device Dependency
One of the biggest hurdles with passkeys is their device dependency. If a user switches devices, they often need to transfer or sync their credentials. With Hawcx, a user can simply verify their identity on a new device, without generating a new stored private key—eliminating the cloud-based syncing or device validation requirements typical of passkeys.
“We are not just improving on passkeys—we are challenging the entire foundation of how they work,” said Shanmugam in an interview with TechCrunch.
Challenges and Future Prospects
While Hawcx’s technology holds promise, it has yet to be widely adopted or independently validated. The startup has already filed patents, but without third-party endorsements, trust could be a barrier to widespread adoption.
Nonetheless, investors are confident in Hawcx’s vision. The company has secured $3 million in pre-seed funding, led by Engineering Capital with contributions from Boldcap, to accelerate product development.
Hawcx is also in talks with major banks and gaming companies to conduct pilot programs within the next few months. These trials will run between three to six months, allowing select users to test the new authentication system. Additionally, Hawcx plans to collaborate with Stanford cryptography experts to further validate its security claims.
Industry Leaders Backing Hawcx’s Approach
Experts in the authentication space acknowledge that while passkeys improve security, usability remains an issue.
“As much as passkeys solve the security problem, usability challenges still persist,” said Tushar Phondge, Director of Consumer Identity at ADP.
ADP is set to pilot Hawcx’s solution, evaluating whether it can overcome device dependency issues and system lockups that complicate passkey adoption.
Looking ahead, Hawcx aims to become a comprehensive authentication solution for businesses. The startup plans to integrate additional verification services, including document verification, live video authentication, and background checks, making it a one-stop platform for digital identity management.
With cybersecurity threats evolving, Hawcx’s passwordless authentication could be a game-changer in securing online identities—offering stronger security with a smoother user experience.
