With passwords now reaching their end phase, it's about time to switch to passkeys. With Google's latest announcement, passkeys will be the default sign-in method for personal accounts.
'Beginning of the End' For Passwords
Passwords are still preferred by many since not all users have devices that permit the use of passkeys. However, this much-needed transition could pave the way for secure protection for all users.
As Google says in its blog, passkeys are marked as the "beginning of the end" for passwords. The latter is often a weak link in cybersecurity. Hackers easily crack them by launching phishing campaigns. They also become an outlet for keylogger malware and other forms of malicious software.
Although security experts did their best in rolling out password managers and stronger methods to ward off threat actors such as multi-factor authentication, it's not enough since vulnerabilities still exist.
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Why Are Passkeys Better Than Passwords?
According to TechCrunch, passkeys are the answer to these vulnerabilities. They serve as a phishing-resistant alternative to passwords.
Using passkeys, users can access their accounts using biometrics, PINs, or physical security keys similar to the way they unlock their devices. This eliminates the need for the traditional username-password combination and the risks associated with it.
Additionally, passkeys operate on a two-part system. One part is stored on the app or website's server, while the other resides securely on your device. This setup ensures that you can prove your legitimate ownership of the account.
Even in the event of a server breach, hackers would need physical access to your device to compromise your account remotely.
Passkeys Support For Google Accounts
Google has been an advocate for passkeys since May 2022. The tech giant initially announced its support for this password alternative and rolled out support for passkeys in Android and Chrome. In May, Google expanded this support globally for Google account owners.
Recently, Google has made passkeys the default sign-in method for all Google Account holders. This means that when you sign in to your Google Account, you'll receive prompts to create and use passkeys, streamlining your future sign-ins, per Phone Arena.
Google reports that 64% of users have found passkeys easier to use compared to traditional methods like passwords and two-step verification.
Since passkeys are the future of passwordless sign-in, Google encourages all users to adopt passkeys as their primary sign-in option. While setting up passkeys may initially seem like a task, it's an investment that can safeguard your online presence and save you valuable time. Google claims that signing in via passkeys is 40% faster than traditional password methods.
Aside from Google, GitHub, Nintendo, and other companies have rolled out passkeys support to the users.
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