TL;DR
WebAuthn (Passkeys) is phishing-resistant because credentials are bound to specific domains. Magic links can be phished if users click links in malicious emails. WebAuthn is more secure but requires device support. Magic links work everywhere but have email security dependencies. For maximum security, use WebAuthn; for maximum compatibility, use magic links with additional protections.
Both magic links and WebAuthn eliminate passwords, but they have very different security properties. WebAuthn uses cryptographic credentials bound to your device, while magic links rely on email as an authentication factor. Understanding these differences is crucial for choosing the right passwordless approach.
Security Comparison
| Security Aspect | Magic Links | WebAuthn/Passkeys |
|---|---|---|
| Phishing Resistance | Low (can be phished) | High (domain-bound) |
| Credential Theft | Email compromise | Device theft required |
| Replay Attacks | Single use tokens | Not possible |
| MITM Attacks | Vulnerable | Protected |
| Device Requirement | Email access only | Authenticator required |
| Cross-Device | Works anywhere | Sync depends on provider |
| Account Recovery | Send new link | More complex |
Phishing Resistance
Magic Link Vulnerability
Magic links can be phished. An attacker can send fake emails with links to lookalike sites. Users clicking these links authenticate with the attacker. Even clicking a legitimate magic link on a compromised device can leak the token. Email forwarding can also expose tokens.
WebAuthn Protection
WebAuthn credentials are cryptographically bound to the origin (domain). A credential for example.com won't work on examp1e.com. Even if users are tricked into visiting phishing sites, authentication fails because credentials don't match. This is the strongest anti-phishing protection available.
Choose Magic Links When: You need universal compatibility and simple user experience. Magic links work with any email client on any device. Best for applications where users may not have authenticators, lower-security scenarios, or when recovery simplicity is important.
Choose WebAuthn/Passkeys When: Security is paramount and you can require compatible devices. Passkeys provide the strongest authentication security available. Best for sensitive applications, enterprise environments, or when protecting against sophisticated phishing attacks.
Implementation Security
Magic Link Best Practices
- Use short expiration times (10-15 minutes)
- Single-use tokens only
- Bind tokens to session or IP
- Use secure random token generation
- Implement rate limiting
WebAuthn Best Practices
- Require user verification when available
- Support multiple authenticators per account
- Implement secure recovery mechanisms
- Use attestation for high-security scenarios
Can I use both methods together?
Yes, many applications offer WebAuthn as primary with magic links as backup. This provides strong security for users with authenticators while maintaining accessibility. Consider requiring additional verification for magic link fallback.
Are passkeys ready for production?
Yes, passkeys are supported by major platforms (Apple, Google, Microsoft) and browsers. Support is widespread enough for production use. Consider fallback options for older devices.
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