Passkeys, a new cryptographic key solution requiring a pre-authenticated device, is now available for use in Google accounts on all major platforms.
Passkeys: Paving the Way for a Password-less Future
Google, along with other tech companies in line with the FIDO Alliance, is promoting passkeys as a more secure and convenient alternative to passwords, 2FA, or SMS verification. Passkeys allow for local PIN or biometric authentication like fingerprint or Face ID, without sharing biometric data with third parties.
Moreover, this eliminates the risk of password theft in phishing attacks, as passkeys only exist on the user’s device, increasing security.
Adding a passkey to your Google account will notify you when you sign in and will warn you of suspicious activities.
However, you can still access your account on other devices by selecting the “use a passkey from another device” option and it will create a one-time sign-in without the need to transfer your passkey to another hardware.
The search engine company warns that using passkeys on shared devices is dangerous. You can also immediately delete a passkey anytime in the accounts settings if you suspect your passkey is compromised.
“We’re thrilled with Google’s announcement today as it dramatically moves the needle on passkey adoption due both to Google’s size and to the breadth of the actual implementation — which essentially enables any Google account holder to use passkeys. I also think that this implementation will serve as a great example for other service providers and stands to be a tipping point for the accelerated adoption of passkeys.”
– Andrew Shikiar, FIDO Alliance Executive Director
So for the time being, Google accounts will still support conventional login methods such as passwords, as it will take some time for passkey support to become widely accepted.
Started his freelancing adventure in 2018 and began doing freelance Audio Engineering work and then started freelance writing a few years later.
Currently he writes for Gadget Pilipinas and formerly wrote for Grit.PH.
He is also a musician, foody, gamer, and PC enthusiast.
