Google Unveils Passkeys: The Future of Passwordless Sign-In for Google Accounts

In a recent blog post, Google unveiled a new security measure called the "passkey," which it claims will ultimately replace traditional passwords calling it the “beginning of the end” for passwords. Google said in a blog post published Wednesday. “We’ve begun rolling out support for passkeys across Google Accounts on all major platforms. This means users can now take advantage of passkeys across Google Services for a passwordless sign-in experience.”

Here's everything you need to know about Passkeys and how it is making password a thing of the past.

What Do Passkeys Mean?

A passkey is an exceptional cryptographic key that is associated with your device. When combined with a personal identifier, it grants access to your account. Additionally, it is possible to share the key with other devices via the Cloud. Passkeys enable users to access applications and websites using the same methods they use to unlock their devices, such as fingerprint, face scan, or screen lock PIN. Unlike passwords, passkeys are less susceptible to online attacks, such as phishing attempts, making them a more secure alternative to things like SMS one-time codes.

Undoubtedly, this is a significant transformation, and although Google states that passwords will remain an option for their accounts in the foreseeable future, adapting to passkeys may require some time. If you wish to initiate the process of configuring passkeys for your account, visit Google’s blog for guidance.

In Their Blog Post, Google Introduces Passkeys as an Additional Option for Secure Account Sign-In:

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!”

Why Passkeys?

As a result of adept hackers and human errors, passwords have become increasingly vulnerable to theft or manipulation. Additionally, increasing password complexity may lead users to forget them, resulting in a self-inflicted defeat. Typically, users prefer easily memorable passwords, which, in turn, can be conveniently hacked. Studies analyzing hacked password caches for years indicate that the most commonly used password is "password123." NordPass, a password manager, has recently discovered that "password" is now the most frequently used password, which does not deceive anyone.

This novel feature enables websites and applications to provide users with uniform, convenient, and secure password-free logins on a range of platforms and devices. The motivation for this shift is founded on the notion that passwords have posed one of the most significant security hurdles for users.