Users of Google accounts have been able to log in without a password.

Source: Pixabay.com

The tech giant on Wednesday, May 3, started implementing support for passkeys in Google accounts on all major platforms, adding them as an option along with passwords and two-step verification (2SV). This is stated in a message published on the company’s blog.

The new option will soon be available to Google Workspace account administrators. Passkeys are a new way to log in to applications and websites. This method is simpler and safer than standard passwords.

Google’s message says that passkeys allow users to log into applications and websites in the same way they unlock their devices: using a fingerprint, a face scan, or a PIN code to lock the screen. Keys are more resistant to cyberattacks, which makes them more secure than, for example, one-time SMS codes.

Biometric data is not shared with Google or other third parties. Passkeys exist only on users’ devices. This circumstance increases the level of security since no password could be stolen by intruders.

The research results indicate that against the background of the widespread application of standard passwords, most users express their willingness to abandon them in favor of other authentication methods. Statistics show that 61% of respondents are ready to use login methods without a password, and 45% are satisfied with these methods. Also, 47% of users believe that standard passwords will not be applicated in the future.

The expanded availability of passkeys from Google appeared after a year during which the company implemented this option in both Chrome and Android. Also, a new way of logging in has been implemented in Docusign, Kayak, PayPal, Shopify, Yahoo! Japan, and other services.

In October 2022, PayPal announced plans to replace standard passwords with secret keys, noting that this way the level of security will increase, and at the same time the need of a growing group of consumers who want to use advanced methods instead of outdated methods will be met.

Apple introduced iOS passkeys support back in September of last year so that the iPhone could be used as a means of logging into any supported website or application.

Google reports that the introduction of passkeys, like any innovation, will take time. For this reason, passwords and 2SV will still be relevant for accounts in the foreseeable future. For people who do not have devices that support biometric authentication, a kind of transition period is being formed.

Google reports that users who are members of the Advanced Protection Program can also use passkeys instead of the usual security keys. This program is a service that provides additional protection against phishing and malicious applications.

Andrew Shikiar, executive director of the FIDO Alliance, said he was delighted with the technology giant’s decision, as this initiative significantly expands the scope of the use of an advanced authentication method. Google is a huge system, so the implementation of any project on the scale of the company and its services has a global character. Andrew Shikiar says that the decision of the technology giant is a turning point in the process of large-scale implementation of passkeys.

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