In a world where passwords have long been the primary means of securing our digital lives, the frustration and risk associated with them have become all too familiar. In an effort to address this problem, Google, along with other industry leaders, has been working on developing a new, more secure alternative: passkeys.
Passkeys are a passwordless way to sign in to apps and websites that use biometric information or screen lock PINs, making them easier to use and more secure than traditional passwords. In this article, we'll explore Google's recent announcement of passkey support across all major platforms for Google Accounts, including how passkeys work and what benefits they offer over traditional passwords.
Passwords are often frustrating to remember and put users at risk if they end up in the wrong hands. With this in mind, Google, along with the FIDO Alliance, Apple, and Microsoft, began work last year to develop a new, more secure alternative: passkeys. Today, ahead of World Password Day, Google announced that it has begun rolling out support for passkeys across Google Accounts on all major platforms.
Passkeys are a new way to sign in to apps and websites that are easier to use and more secure than passwords. Instead of relying on a memorized string of characters, users can sign in using a fingerprint, face scan, or screen lock PIN. Passkeys are also resistant to online attacks like phishing, making them a more secure option than SMS one-time codes.
Over the past year, Google has been working on bringing passkey experiences to both Chrome and Android, which services like DocuSign, Kayak, PayPal, Shopify, and Yahoo! Japan have already deployed to streamline sign-in for their users. Today, passkeys are available as an option for Google Account users who want to try a passwordless sign-in experience.
Setting up passkeys for Google Accounts is easy, and administrators for Google Workspace accounts will soon have the option to enable passkeys for their end-users during sign-in.
While passkeys will be a game-changer in the world of digital security, Google understands that change takes time. That’s why passwords and 2-Step Verification (2SV) will still work for Google Accounts. However, with passkeys now available, Google hopes to help people and others in the industry take the next leap toward easier and safer sign-ins.
By next year’s World Password Day, you may not even need to use your password, much less remember it!
