Google launches Passkeys to make passwords obsolete

On World Password Day, Google announced the launch of Passkeys, which is a move towards a passwordless future. It is a new cryptographic key solution that aims to replace passwords and other sign-in systems. Passkeys will enable users to sign in to apps and websites using biometric authentication, such as fingerprints, Face ID, or a local PIN. In 2022, Google announced the technology and teamed up with the FIDO Alliance to provide a safer and more convenient alternative to traditional passwords and two-factor authentication methods. Apple has also introduced support for Passkeys with the launch of iOS 16.

Passkeys will offer a hassle-free sign-in experience for users, who will no longer need to remember long passwords for different accounts. The feature will be more resistant to online attacks like phishing and more secure than SMS one-time codes that can be intercepted by hackers. Passkeys will be synchronized across all devices running a user’s Google account through the cloud using cryptographic key pairs. The feature will be available alongside the password and 2FA login methods.

Amit Goel, Country Head – India, highlighted that this launch by Google will answer several security concerns and will also be a cost-effective solution. It will also be more convenient for consumers and companies. Passkeys will solve the problem of passwords being saved on different servers/platforms of companies, which can be stolen by hackers. Passkeys will be locked in one’s device, and biometrics are unique to every individual, making it a much more secure solution.

Passkeys Are the Future

In addition to being safer than passwords, passkeys also provide greater convenience because they work on almost all platforms and web browsers. The technology brings the authentication down to a device level, which is a much more secure option. Passkeys will be saved on the secure enclave of users’ phones, and every time they try to log in to any server or platform using their Google account, the passkey will be invoked, and they will be able to log in through their biometrics. The passkeys cannot be hacked, and there will be no threat of passkeys being stolen from servers as they are saved on the device itself.

Passkeys will be available for private Google account holders for now, and administrators will soon have the option to enable them for their end-users during sign-in for Google Workspace accounts. The launch of Passkeys by Google will answer several security concerns and provide a cost-effective and easier solution for consumers and companies.