Singlekey

Singlekey, or SingleKey, is a term used in several technology contexts. It is commonly encountered as a brand name for passwordless authentication products and as a generic reference in cryptography to schemes that rely on a single secret key.

As a product brand, SingleKey denotes tools designed to let users authenticate with one credential or a single hardware device rather than a set of passwords. Such systems often employ public-key cryptography and may integrate standards such as FIDO2/WebAuthn for browser-based authentication. They aim to reduce credential fatigue and phishing risk, while offering cross-device compatibility and streamlined account recovery.

In cryptographic terms, a single-key (commonly called symmetric-key) scheme uses one shared secret for both encryption and decryption. This approach is typically fast and resource-efficient but depends on protecting the key everywhere it is stored or transmitted, complicating secure key distribution and revocation in larger systems. A compromise of the single key can expose all protected data, motivating careful key management, rotation, and secure storage.

Because the term is used by multiple products and discussions, it does not have a single canonical definition. Related concepts include symmetric encryption, key management, and authentication standards such as FIDO2/WebAuthn.