"Google Adds Passkeys for User Accounts; 'Passwords Are Dead,' Official Says"

On May 3, Google launched passkeys for user accounts to provide secure access to its services without the need for passwords. Passkeys are intended to eventually replace passwords because they are regarded as a more secure authentication technique. The method allows users to sign into apps and websites with the same authentication they use to unlock devices (e.g., facial scan, fingerprint, or PIN). Since the transition to passwordless authentication will take time, passwords and two-step verification (2SV) will continue to work on Google accounts for now. Administrators of Google Workspace accounts will be able to enable passkeys for end-users at sign-on. Last year, Google revealed plans to roll out passkeys in partnership with the FIDO Alliance, Apple, and Microsoft. The passkey project aimed to integrate the authentication technique into Chrome and Android, as well as services such as Docusign, Kayak, PayPal, Shopify, and Yahoo! Japan. According to Christiaan Brand, the passkey project lead and Google's identity and security product manager, the goal of passkeys is to mirror the way everyone uses transport layer encryption. This article continues to discuss Google's introduction of passkey authentication for its user accounts to access its platforms without using passwords. 

SC Media reports "Google Adds Passkeys for User Accounts; 'Passwords Are Dead,' Official Says"