Months ago, Google introduced passkeys as the ultimate tool to replace traditional passwords across its online services. The tech giant announced that these access keys will become the primary option for logging in, although traditional passwords will still be functional for now.
When accessing an account, Google will prompt users to create and use a passkey instead of the email-password combination. By default, Google will enable the option to 'bypass the password when possible.' Users who prefer to retain their passwords can disable this feature.
While conventional passwords are widely used on digital platforms, they come with security vulnerabilities. They can be guessed or stolen, and many users tend to reuse the same password across multiple accounts, facilitating mass attacks.
Passkeys, on the other hand, utilize cryptographic keys stored on devices, along with biometric access and unlock patterns, significantly reducing the risk of impersonation and phishing attacks.
Although Google has not yet provided usage statistics for passkeys, they indicated in a blog post that users are adopting them on popular platforms like YouTube and Google Maps. In recent months, companies such as Apple, Microsoft, eBay, Uber, and soon WhatsApp have also integrated this technology.
Christian Brand, Google's identity and security lead, stated, 'We started working on eliminating traditional passwords over a decade ago. We are excited to advance with passkeys and the positive response from users who have embraced this change.'
Google also informed users, 'We will keep you updated on more platforms adopting passkeys. Our goal is to make passwords uncommon and eventually obsolete.' Currently, they offer an online guide regarding these access keys.
Will passkeys mark the end of passwords? While Google holds significant influence, the world has been using passwords for decades, meaning the transition may take considerable time. What matters now is that the alternative exists and offers enhanced security.