Google Launches Passkeys: The Password Replacement That Could Change Online Security Forever

Google is revolutionizing online security with the introduction of passkeys, a password replacement system that relies on cryptographic keys stored on users’ devices for account authentication. With phishing attacks and password theft on the rise, passkeys offer a more secure and convenient way to log in to your accounts. Passkeys can be created using biometric sensors, device lock PINs, or physical authentication dongles like YubiKeys. To promote the adoption of passkeys, Google plans to nudge users to convert their traditional username and password login to a passkey.

Passkeys have already been adopted by companies like PayPal, Shopify, CVS Health, Kayak, and Hyatt. However, Google’s launch of passkeys for its billions of users is a game-changer, given the company’s resources and scale. According to Andrew Shikiar, executive director of the FIDO Alliance, “It’s an inflection point. A company like Google enabling this with so many people actually seeing passkey sign-ins, they’ll be more likely to use them elsewhere.”

Passkeys can sync between devices through end-to-end encrypted services like Google Password Manager and iCloud Keychain. They can also be set up on multiple devices using a QR code. Google assures users that their traditional username and password login isn’t going anywhere, but the company is betting that passkeys will be more popular and easier to manage than passwords.

With passkeys, Google is changing the way users think about signing in, and the company hopes that it will encourage other organizations to implement passkeys. Sign-in success rates with passkeys have been higher than for traditional username and password logins in early tests. While there may be some “rough edges” and passkey bugs to iron out, passkey proponents are ramping up their efforts to make World Password Day a thing of the past.

In conclusion, Google’s announcement of passkeys as a replacement for passwords marks a significant shift in the way we think about online security. With the support of industry giants like Microsoft and Apple, the passkey system has the potential to become the new standard in online authentication. By relying on cryptographic keys stored on our devices, passkeys offer a more secure and convenient way to access our online accounts. While it may take some time for passkeys to gain widespread adoption, Google’s launch is a major step towards making that a reality. As we look towards a future without passwords, the passkey system represents an important milestone in the ongoing effort to improve online security for everyone.

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