At Refresh Computers, we’re all about keeping Central Florida businesses and families secure and up-to-date with the latest tech that actually makes life easier. In this week’s Tech Talk radio show on WDBO, host David Leavitt dove into why now is the time to ditch traditional passwords for good and switch to passkeys on your PC. He also covered the ongoing hard drive shortage fueled by AI data centers and shared the newest scams circulating right now.
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Episode Summary
In this Season 4, Episode 8 broadcast (41 minutes 43 seconds), David Leavitt stresses one urgent tech upgrade for 2026: setting up a passkey on your PC. Passkeys represent the next evolution in online security—passwordless authentication that’s phishing-resistant, faster, and far more secure than traditional passwords.
Unlike passwords, which can be guessed, stolen via breaches, or phished through fake sites, passkeys use public-key cryptography (FIDO standards). A private key stays securely on your device (protected by Windows Hello biometrics like fingerprint, face recognition, or PIN), while a public key is shared with the website or app. When you sign in, your device proves ownership without ever sending sensitive info across the internet.
David explains why this matters now more than ever: In 2026, major players like Microsoft, Google, and Apple have fully rolled out passkey support, making it seamless on Windows 11 (and even Windows 10 in many cases). With rising cyber threats targeting everyday users in Central Florida and beyond, passkeys eliminate the biggest weak link—human-chosen or reused passwords.
The episode also touches on supply chain realities: Traditional hard drives (HDDs) are in short supply as AI data centers gobble up capacity for massive storage needs. This drives up prices and pushes more people toward SSDs or cloud solutions. David wraps up with a timely warning on the latest scams—phishing emails, fake tech support calls, and AI-generated deepfake frauds—urging listeners to stay vigilant and verify sources before clicking or sharing info.
This episode is packed with practical advice to protect your devices, data, and peace of mind in today’s digital landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Passkeys beat passwords hands-down: They’re impossible to phish, can’t be stolen in breaches (no shared secret), and use your device’s built-in security like Windows Hello for instant, biometric sign-ins.
- Easy setup on Windows PCs: Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options (or Microsoft account security page at account.microsoft.com), add a passkey via Face, Fingerprint, PIN, or security key—often just a few clicks.
- Cross-device sync available: With Microsoft, Google, or third-party managers (e.g., 1Password, Bitwarden), passkeys work across your phone, tablet, and PC for seamless logins.
- Hard drive shortage alert: AI’s explosive growth means fewer affordable HDDs—consider upgrading to SSDs for speed and reliability or explore cloud backups.
- Stay scam-savvy: Watch for urgent “your account is compromised” messages, unsolicited calls claiming to be Microsoft support, or links in unexpected emails—always double-check directly via official sites.
- Act now for better security: Transitioning to passkeys reduces your risk dramatically in 2026’s threat environment—start with high-value accounts like email, banking, and Microsoft services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a passkey and how is it different from a password?
A passkey is a cryptographic credential tied to your device—no typing required. Passwords are knowledge-based (something you remember), while passkeys are possession-based (something you have), unlocked via biometrics or PIN. They’re phishing-proof and don’t get reused across sites.
How do I set up a passkey on my Windows PC?
Sign into your Microsoft account at account.live.com/proofs/manage, go to Advanced Security Options, select “Add a new way to sign in,” choose Face, Fingerprint, PIN, or Security Key, and follow the prompts. For supported sites, create passkeys directly during login.
Do passkeys work on older Windows versions?
Yes—many features are available on Windows 10 and fully supported on Windows 11. Ensure your browser (Edge, Chrome) is updated and Windows Hello is enabled.
Are passkeys safe if I lose my device?
Passkeys sync via your provider (Microsoft, Google, etc.) to other trusted devices. You can revoke access remotely through your account settings if a device is lost or stolen.
Why is there a shortage of hard drives right now?
AI training and data centers require enormous storage, prioritizing high-capacity drives and shifting manufacturing focus away from consumer HDDs, causing price hikes and limited stock.
What are the latest scams I should watch for in 2026?
Common ones include AI voice-cloning for family emergency calls, fake Microsoft support pop-ups demanding remote access, and phishing texts/emails pushing urgent “security updates.” Never grant access or click unsolicited links—contact companies directly.
