Google’s Passkeys Pave the Way to a Passwordless Future!

In celebration of World Password Day 2023, Google has introduced an innovative solution called passkeys, taking us one step closer to a world without passwords. This new authentication method offers a convenient and secure way to access websites and apps, using your fingerprint, face scan, or other screen lock features.

Passkeys are designed to enhance online security by leveraging public key cryptographic protocols, making them resistant to phishing and other cyber threats. Unlike traditional multi-factor authentication methods, such as SMS or app-based one-time passwords, passkeys provide a higher level of security and peace of mind.

One of the remarkable aspects of passkeys is their versatility. They can be used in two ways: on the same device or across different devices. If you have a passkey stored on your Android device and need to sign in to a website, it’s as simple as unlocking your phone. Alternatively, if you’re signing in on your computer’s Chrome browser, a quick scan of a QR code connects your phone and computer, allowing you to use the passkey seamlessly.

The technology behind passkeys is not entirely new; it was developed within the FIDO Alliance and was initially introduced by Google in 2019. Since then, Google and other FIDO members have worked together to enhance passkeys, improving their usability and convenience. With passkeys, you can log in to your accounts using any form of device-based user verification, such as biometrics or a PIN code. Your credentials are securely registered on your personal device, and only cryptographic proof of authentication is transmitted to Google’s servers, ensuring your biometric or screen lock data stays private.

What’s even more exciting is that passkeys are standardized, allowing for a consistent passwordless experience across different browsers and operating systems. Plus, they can be created and stored on your devices, eliminating the need to send passkeys to websites or apps. If you create a passkey on one device, the Google Password Manager makes it available on your other signed-in devices.

Google’s data has shown promising results for passkeys. The success rate of authenticating with the same device passkeys is four times higher than with passwords alone, with an impressive 63.8% success rate compared to the average of 13.8%. Passkeys also significantly reduce the time it takes to sign in, with users typically logging in within 14.9 seconds, half the time it usually takes with passwords.

Users have praised passkeys for their convenience, considering them a game-changer in simplifying the login process. The positive feedback received from user research confirms the value of passkeys in providing a secure, hassle-free authentication experience.

With passkeys, Google is paving the way for a future where passwords are no longer a burden. You may say goodbye to remembering complex strings of characters and embrace a passwordless future that offers both security and ease of use.

Source: https://security.googleblog.com