Arr, Google be wantin' ye to abandon passwords, makin' passkeys the fancy new norm!
2023-10-10
Arr, me hearties! Google be urgin' ye landlubbers to dive headfirst into the use o' passkeys, as it aims to make them ol' passwords walk the plank and be done with 'em!
Google has announced that passkeys will now be the default sign-in method for all personal accounts on its network. Passkeys are a new form of online security that use a four-digit PIN or biometric credentials instead of traditional passwords. This change is intended to reduce the risk of phishing attacks and account takeovers. Google will be sending prompts to users informing them of the change and how to create a passkey.Setting up a passkey is a simple process. Users can visit Google's official passkeys website and create a PIN or connect their biometrics to their account. The passkey can then be used on devices that support facial recognition or fingerprints. However, there are some restrictions - PCs must be running at least Windows 10, Macs need to be macOS Ventura, and smartphones must have Android 9 or iOS 16. Passkeys are currently only supported on Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Google Chrome browsers.
In addition to Google, some password manager solutions also support passkeys, allowing users to create and store them away from Google. Users who are not interested in passkeys can opt-out by toggling off the switch on the Sign-in options page.
Google decided to make passkeys the default sign-in method because they have been well-received by users. According to internal analytics, passkeys are easier and faster to use than traditional login methods. Google is also working with partners in various industries to expand the use of passkeys on their platforms, with plans to eventually make passwords obsolete.
If users are looking for additional ways to enhance online security, TechRadar recommends checking out their list of the best antivirus software for 2023.