CEM REPORT, IT | Google has announced plans to introduce passkeys to replace passwords as part of the industry’s effort to protect its users from unauthorized access.
The tech giant says that the planned introduction of passkeys will be used to sign in to its apps and websites.
Google added that Google Workspace accounts administrators will soon have the option to enable passkeys for their end-users during sign-in.
Announcing the rollout of passkeys via a blog post during the week, Google said passwords and two-step verification (2SV) will still work for Google Accounts for now.
“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!”
Additionally, Google hinted that by the next World Password Day passwords may have been completely phased out.
It explained that though passkeys may not come easy for many people it is easier and a more secure way to sign in than passwords, which people often find difficult to remember.
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Nairametrics reports that 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.
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.
