Today, Google made a significant statement that heralds the end of passwords. It has begun rolling out passkeys, which it describes as “the easiest and most secure way to sign in to apps and websites” and a big step toward a password-free future.
Passkeys enable users to sign in to applications and websites in the same way that they unlock their phones, using methods such as fingerprint, face scan, or screen lock PIN. They are more resistant to internet attacks such as phishing and hence more secure than one-time codes provided by SMS.
These are big steps forward toward a more secure, password-free future.
It is important to understand that utilizing passkeys may cause a security risk. If your screen unlocks PIN is weak, such as 1234 or 0000, and your phone is stolen, the thief could gain access to all of your passkey-protected accounts.
Passkey sign-in is now available to Google Account users. Furthermore, services such as DocuSign, Kayak, PayPal, Shopify, and Yahoo! Japan have already implemented some level of passkey support.
Simply go to this page to try passkeys with your Google Account. To mitigate any security breaches, set a strong, multi-digit PIN on your phone.
Administrators of Google Workspace accounts will soon be able to activate passkeys for their end-users, adding an extra degree of protection to their accounts.