Google has begun distributing passkeys, which may be used in place of passwords to login in to its apps and websites. Passkeys, which the business claims are the quickest and safest way to sign in, will now take the place of passwords, which many people find challenging to remember.
Google stated that for the time being, passwords and two-step verification (2SV) will continue function for Google Accounts, despite the fact that many individuals may find the transition to be difficult. However, it made a suggestion that passwords might no longer be used at all by World Password Day the next year.
Google said that managers of Google Workspace accounts would soon have the choice to allow passkeys for their end-users to utilize when logging in.
Alliance for passkeys
Announcing the rollout of passkeys via a blog post on Wednesday, Google said:
- “For some time we and others in the industry have been working on a simpler and safer alternative to passwords. While passwords will be with us for some time to come, they are often frustrating to remember and put you at risk if they end up in the wrong hands.
- “Last year — alongside FIDO Alliance, Apple, and Microsoft — we announced we would begin work to support passkeys on our platform as an easier and more secure alternative to passwords. And today, ahead of World Password Day, we’ve begun rolling out support for passkeys across Google Accounts on all major platforms. They’ll be an additional option that people can use to sign in, alongside passwords, 2-Step Verification (2SV), etc.
- “Today, passkeys for Google Accounts are available. You can try them out here and setting it up is easy. We look forward to helping people and others in the industry take this next leap to make signing in easier and safer with Google.
- “So maybe, by next year’s World Password Day, you won’t even need to use your password, much less remember it!”
What are Passkeys?
Passkeys are a new way to sign in to apps and websites. They’re both easier to use and more secure than passwords, so users no longer need to rely on the names of pets, birthdays or the infamous “password123.”
Instead, passkeys let users sign in to apps and sites the same way they unlock their devices: with a fingerprint, a face scan, or a screen lock PIN. And, unlike passwords, passkeys are resistant to online attacks like phishing, making them more secure than things like SMS one-time codes.
What you should know
Microsoft, Google, and Apple last year announced the collaboration to create a new world where passwords will not be needed to access devices, webs, or apps. The three organizations are working to expand support for a common passwordless sign-in standard created by the FIDO Alliance and the World Wide Web Consortium.
The new capability will allow websites and apps to offer consistent, secure, and easy passwordless sign-ins to consumers across devices and platforms. This move is premised on the belief that passwords have been one of the biggest security challenges for consumers.
Leave a comment