Google is revolutionizing online security by introducing passkeys as an alternative to traditional passwords. The tech giant aims to enhance user experience with passkeys, which can be accessed through a fingerprint scan, face recognition, or a pin number. These passcodes are not only easier to remember but are also quicker to use and offer higher security measures.
Since May, Google has been supporting passkeys and has now made it the default option for password creation. However, the company reassures users that traditional passwords will still be supported, giving them the freedom to disable the passkey option if desired.
Passkeys have already gained popularity as alternatives to passwords in various applications. YouTube, Search, Maps, Uber, eBay, and WhatsApp – which will soon join the list – have embraced passkeys to enhance user security.
The FIDO Alliance, a well-known security consortium featuring several tech firms, has been instrumental in developing standards for passkeys. Their efforts have paved the way for Google, Apple, and Microsoft to adopt passkey support in their systems. Apple, in fact, has already introduced passkey support with the release of iOS 16.
To bring passkeys to life, Google initially rolled out passkey support on Chrome and Android devices in October 2022. This move has successfully positioned passkeys as a viable solution to replace traditional passwords, granting users a more convenient and secure way to access their online accounts.
Google’s focus on passkeys underscores the increasing importance of user security in the digital age. By eliminating the reliance on traditional passwords, which are prone to hacking and often forgotten, Google is advancing towards a more efficient and secure online experience for its users. As passkey technology continues to evolve, it is expected to become an integral part of online security protocols in the future.
