Passkeys Keycloak vs. commercial solutions -Azure, Okta and Google Identity

Passkeys are gaining popularity as a secure and user-friendly alternative to traditional passwords in Identity and Access Management (IAM). These cryptographic keys simplify the authentication process and reduce the load of password management.  In this article, I dive into the comparison of solution passkeys Keycloak with commercial options like Azure AD, Okta and Google Identity. 

If you are facing a decision about which solution for passkeys choose – this is a roadmap to decide whether to use passkey-based authentication in Keycloak or choose a commercial solution, considering factors like flexibility, security, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.

Passkeys keycloak or commercial – which IAM solution is best for you? 

When it comes to deciding whether to build your own passkeys solution or buy a commercial option, several important factors deserve careful consideration. Here’s my take on the key elements that can influence your decision:

Comparison of IAM and Passkeys Solutions

When exploring passkeys solutions, it’s clear that each platform—Keycloak, Azure AD, Okta, and Google Identity—comes with its own set of strengths and challenges. Here’s a closer look at how each of these solutions handles passkeys.

Keycloak

Keycloak is my go-to choice for passkeys implementation, facilitated through the WebAuthn protocol. This feature allows users to log in without traditional passwords, which significantly enhances security by minimizing the risks associated with password management. I’ve observed that while Keycloak is highly customizable, organizations may encounter hurdles during initial setup, particularly when aiming to enable a one-click sign-in directly from the login interface. This may require some extra configuration, which can be a bit daunting for less technical teams unless you would like to outsource your Keycloak architecture design, deploy, and maintenance as there are several companies on the market offering Keycloak as a service. 

Key features and benefits

1. Advanced security measures and full customization – with technical knowledge incorporation in Keycloak any of the advanced security measures such as passwordless authentication with WebAuthn and Passkeys, MFA, SSO,  self-service, etc. is possible. 
2. Centralized user management – one of the best aspects of Keycloak is its centralized user repository, which makes it a breeze for administrators to handle user accounts, roles, and permissions all from one place.
3. Support for multiple protocols– Keycloak supports popular protocols like OAuth 2.0 and can be configured to support passkeys. OpenID Connect, OAuth 2.0, and SAML, ensuring that it can integrate easily with a variety of applications.
4. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – to enhance security, Keycloak includes MFA capabilities, meaning users have to provide more than just their password to log in.
5. Customizable authentication flows – I really appreciate how you can modify authentication processes to meet specific needs, whether it’s through self-registration or password recovery, creating a tailored experience for users.
6. Unlimited scalability – whether your user base will grow 10x, 100x or 1000x times Keycloak will manage this load, what is important to notice with an increasing user base your costs will grow higher with Keycloak you are not paying for a single seat, hence the increase of price will be lower in compare to commercial solutions. 
7. Easy integration with any internal system – possibilities to integrate Keycloak with applications in your organization, or even applications of your external business partners is practically limitless. 

Azure AD

Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) stands out for its security framework and encryption methods. Its authentication methods policy allows administrators to customize passkeys deployment tailored to specific user groups, which grants a great deal of flexibility and control. Azure AD not only emphasizes security but also integrates seamlessly with Microsoft products, making it an excellent choice for businesses already entrenched in the Microsoft ecosystem. The strong encryption methods ensure that passkey-related data is kept secure, addressing the concerns that many organizations have regarding data vulnerabilities.

Key features and benefits

1. Comprehensive security – Azure AD provides advanced security capabilities such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and conditional access policies. These features are vital for reducing the risk of unauthorized access and defending against cyber threats, with Microsoft claiming they can mitigate up to 99.9% of attacks.
2. User experience – I’ve found that Azure AD truly excels in delivering a smooth user experience. With the Single Sign-On (SSO) feature, users can easily access multiple applications using just one set of credentials, making their login experience much more efficient.
3. Scalability –No matter the size of the organization, Azure AD is designed to grow with you. It can accommodate everything from small businesses to large enterprises, ensuring reliability as user and application demands evolve.
4. Integration with Microsoft Ecosystem – If your organization already uses Microsoft products, Azure AD is a game changer. Its tight integration with services like Microsoft 365 and Azure offers a cohesive identity management experience that spans your entire digital environment.
5. Advanced reporting – For those looking to gain insights, the Azure AD Premium tier provides enhanced features like application usage reporting, allowing organizations to monitor how their users interact with various applications and services.

Okta

Okta is another player that excels in providing comprehensive support for passkey. It cover essential user flows, such as sign-up, sign-in, and account recovery, with a focus on advanced user management and security. Okta is a strong emphasis on compliance and data protection, which is crucial for organizations operating in regulated environments. Additionally, Okta’s integration capabilities are impressive, allowing for seamless connections across a multitude of applications and ensuring a cohesive identity management strategy.

Key features and benefits

1. Single Sign-On (SSO) – One of the standout features of OktaAuth0 is its Single Sign-On capability, enabling users to log in once and access all connected applications seamlessly. This not only makes life easier for users but also significantly reduces the risks associated with managing multiple passwords.
2. Passwordless authentication – The support for passwordless login options is particularly exciting. It empowers businesses to adopt modern authentication methods that not only bolster security but also enhance user satisfaction, aligning perfectly with the emerging trends in passkeys technologies.
3. Comprehensive user management – OktaAuth0 excels in user management. Its platform includes features like user provisioning, role-based access control, and detailed reporting tools that help organizations manage identities and permissions effectively while keeping security policies front and center.
4. Integration marketplace – the robust integration marketplace is another highlight of OktaAuth0. It allows organizations to effortlessly connect with a plethora of applications and services via an API, which is crucial for maintaining a cohesive identity management strategy across diverse platforms.
5. Compliance certifications – finally, OktaAuth0 holds several key certifications, including ISO 27001 and SOC 2, along with adherence to GDPR. This commitment to security and compliance provides peace of mind for organizations, especially those operating in regulated industries.

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Google Identity

Google Identity offers a streamlined experience, especially for organizations utilizing the Google ecosystem. While specific details about its passkeys implementation might not be as widely documented, the user-friendly interface and self-service features significantly enhance user satisfaction. Users can manage their accounts easily, which takes a load off IT teams. This approach is especially beneficial for organizations that heavily rely on Google Workspace, as it provides a smooth and intuitive authentication experience.

Key features and benefits

1. User-friendly interface with a focus on UI design – Google Identity is its clean, intuitive interface. This design not only makes it straightforward for users to navigate the browser interface, but also eases the administrative burden, leading to higher adoption rates and a smoother onboarding experience with the tutorial.
2. Self-registration and self-service – the self-registration and self-service capabilities are standout features. Users can easily manage their accounts, reset passwords, and link additional accounts without needing to reach out to IT support, which significantly lightens the load on administrative teams.
3. Federated identity support – Google Identity excels in allowing users to link their Google accounts with other federated or native accounts. This creates a unified login experience across multiple platforms, making it particularly advantageous for organizations that work with various identity providers.
4. Built-in security measures, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and advanced threat protection, are crucial in today’s climate of increasing cyber threats. These features help organizations mitigate risks related to unauthorized access and data breaches effectively.
5. The seamless integration with other Google services enhances productivity and collaboration, allowing teams to work more efficiently. This connectivity ensures that users have a cohesive experience across different applications, which is vital for maintaining workflow continuity.

Conclusion

In summary, when evaluating passkeys solutions, organizations should consider the unique offerings of each platform. Keycloak provides customization and flexibility, Azure AD emphasizes security and integration with Microsoft services, Okta is strong in user management and compliance, while Google Identity excels in user experience and ecosystem compatibility. The choice ultimately hinges on the specific needs and priorities of each organization.

Recommendations

When weighing your options between Keycloak and commercial solutions like Azure AD and Okta, consider your specific needs: 

• If customization and scalability is key, Keycloak could be your best bet.
• For those deeply integrated into Microsoft services, Azure AD provides a solid mix of security and ease of use.
• If user management and compliance take precedence, Okta is definitely worth a look.
• Lastly, for a user-friendly experience that integrates seamlessly with Google services, Google Identity is an excellent choice for those looking to integrate passkeys into their authentication process.

Aleksandra Malesa

I’m a Content Marketing Specialist who loves creating engaging content that connects with people and helps businesses. I specialize in writing technical blogs for the IT industry, focusing on clear strategies and storytelling to deliver real results. When I’m not writing, I’m keeping up with the latest trends to stay ahead in the game.

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