On May 3, 2023, Google made a groundbreaking announcement on its official blog regarding the future of online security. The tech giant revealed that they have started rolling out passkeys, which are being touted as the easiest and most secure way to sign in to apps and websites.
This marks a major step towards a “passwordless future” and a simpler, safer alternative to passwords.
Passkeys let you sign in to apps and sites in the same way they unlock their devices: with a fingerprint, a face scan, or a screen lock PIN.
Unlike traditional passwords, passkeys are resistant to online attacks like phishing, making them more secure than other methods such as SMS one-time codes.
With the support of FIDO Alliance, Apple, and Microsoft, Google is spearheading this passwordless revolution, and this move will likely revolutionize the way people access online services and accounts.
One of the benefits of using passkeys is that they are highly resistant to hacking attempts and other forms of online attacks. Since they are not susceptible to phishing scams or other methods used by cybercriminals to steal passwords, passkeys offer a more secure form of authentication.
Passkeys also make logging in faster and more convenient, particularly for mobile users, since there is no need to enter a password manually.
As online security threats continue to evolve, the introduction of passkeys by Google represents a significant step forward in protecting user accounts. With expert opinions suggesting that passkeys could significantly enhance online security, it is worth considering them as a viable alternative to traditional passwords.
Table of Contents
What are Google Passkeys
Passkeys are a new form of authentication that differs significantly from traditional passwords. Rather than relying on a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols, passkeys use a unique identifier that is stored on a device, such as a computer or a smartphone.
This identifier can be anything from a biometric feature like a fingerprint or facial recognition to a physical security key that plugs into the USB port of a computer.
Passkeys represent a significant improvement in online authentication technology, offering both higher levels of security and greater convenience.
By eliminating the need for passwords, passkeys provide a reliable way to prevent unauthorized access to user accounts, making them an excellent option for anyone seeking to enhance their online security.
here’s a table comparing passkeys and passwords:
| Labels | Passkeys | Passwords |
|---|---|---|
| Method | A unique combination of letters, numbers, and symbols | Unique combination of letters, numbers, and symbols |
| Security | More secure, resistant to hacking and phishing | Less secure, susceptible to hacking and phishing |
| Convenience | Faster and more convenient, no need to remember complex passwords | Slower and less convenient, need to remember or store passwords |
| Authentication | Uses biometric features, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, or physical security keys | Typed in manually or copied and pasted into a field |
This table provides an overview of the main differences between passkeys and passwords. While passwords have been the standard method of authentication for years, passkeys represent a significant improvement in terms of security and convenience.
Note: You can check Google’s blog on Passkeys.
How Google is Implementing Passkeys?
Google just announced that-
“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. So maybe by next year’s World Password Day, you won’t even need to use your password, much less remember it!”
Source blog link
Google has already implemented some features that support passkeys, such as the ability to use a mobile device as a second-factor authentication method for logging into Google services.
In addition, Google is working towards integrating FIDO2 (Fast Identity Online) standard into its platforms, which allows users to log in using a physical security key or a biometric factor like facial recognition. This standard is supported by major browser vendors, including Mozilla, Microsoft, and Google.
Steps you should take to use passkeys instead of passwords
To start using passkeys instead of passwords, you need to follow several steps.
Firstly, they must create a passkey on their device or buy a physical security key from a reputable vendor. Physical security keys are available from different manufacturers such as Yubico, Feitian, and Google.
Secondly, you need to register their passkey with each service they wish to use it on. This process involves selecting the option to use a passkey instead of a password on the login page and then entering the passkey or plugging in the physical security key. You should also make sure that their devices are running the latest software updates and that they are using a compatible browser that supports FIDO2 standard.
One major advantage of using passkeys is that they are not vulnerable to phishing attacks. Since they require physical interaction with the device, there is no way for hackers to steal them remotely. However, you should still be cautious about phishing scams that try to trick them into handing over their passkeys.
Companies that have already implemented passkeys, such as DocuSign and PayPal
Several companies have already implemented passkeys as a more secure authentication method. For example, DocuSign allows users to log in using a YubiKey, which is a small USB device that serves as a physical security key.
Similarly, PayPal offers a feature called Security Key, which allows users to use a physical security key or a mobile device with a biometric factor like fingerprint or face recognition to authenticate and protect their accounts from unauthorized access.
Other companies that have implemented passkeys include Dropbox, GitHub, and Microsoft. These companies have recognized the benefits of using passkeys as an additional layer of security that can help prevent data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
As more companies adopt this technology, users will have more options to choose from, making it easier for them to protect their online accounts and personal information.
Advantages of passkeys over passwords
Increased Security: Passkeys are more secure than traditional passwords because they are longer and more complex, making them harder to guess or crack. Unlike a password, which can be stolen or intercepted, a passkey is typically stored on a device or in the cloud, where it is less vulnerable to attack.
Ease of Use: Passkeys are easier to use than traditional passwords because they can be generated automatically and stored securely, eliminating the need for users to remember complicated strings of characters. This makes it more convenient for users to access their accounts without worrying about forgetting their passwords.
How passkeys could be used in different scenarios
Online Banking: Passkeys can be used to authenticate users when logging in to their online banking accounts, providing an extra layer of security to protect against fraud and identity theft.
E-commerce: Passkeys can be used to verify the identity of customers during online transactions, ensuring that only authorized individuals can make purchases using their credit cards or other payment methods.
How passkeys are resistant to online attacks like phishing
Passkeys are more resistant to online attacks like phishing because they are not susceptible to interception or theft by cybercriminals. Unlike SMS one-time codes or other forms of two-factor authentication (2FA), which can be compromised by attackers who intercept them, passkeys are stored locally on a user’s device or in the cloud, where they are less vulnerable to attack.
Additionally, because passkeys are typically longer and more complex than traditional passwords, they are much harder to guess or brute-force, further enhancing their security.
Potential concerns with passkeys
Privacy Concerns:
Some users may be concerned about the privacy implications of using passkeys, especially if they are stored in the cloud or on a third-party server. To address these concerns, passkey providers can use advanced encryption methods to ensure that user data is protected and stored securely.
Difficulty Remembering Multiple Passkeys:
Since passkeys are typically longer and more complex than traditional passwords, users may struggle to remember multiple passkeys for different accounts. To address this issue, passkey providers can offer password manager tools that allow users to store and access their passkeys easily.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can passkeys be stored securely?
Yes, passkeys can be stored securely using advanced encryption methods to protect user data from cyber threats.
How many passkeys do I need to remember?
You need to remember one passkey for each account or service they wish to access using passkeys.
Expert Opinions on Google Passkeys
According to Richard Blech, CEO of Secure Channels Inc., “Passkeys represent a significant leap forward in online security, providing a more secure and convenient alternative to traditional passwords.”
Industry leaders like Google, Microsoft, and Apple have also expressed support for passkeys as a means of improving online security and reducing the risk of cyber attacks.
Final Words on Google Passkeys
Passkeys are a new method of online authentication that provides increased security and ease of use for users. Google has recently announced its support for passkeys as a means of improving online security for both individuals and businesses.
Strong online authentication is becoming increasingly important as more and more sensitive data is being stored and transmitted online. Passkeys offer a more secure and user-friendly alternative to traditional passwords, making them an attractive option for anyone looking to enhance their online security.
We encourage readers to learn more about passkeys and consider using them to protect their online accounts and personal information. With the potential benefits of passkeys for both individuals and businesses, it’s clear that this technology will play an important role in the future of online security.