Say Goodbye to Passwords with Google Passkey - How It Works

Technest October 24, 2023

Say Goodbye to Passwords with Google Passkey - How It Works

In the digital age, passwords have become a ubiquitous source of frustration for tech-savvy individuals. They can be either too complex to remember or dangerously easy to crack, leaving our online accounts vulnerable. But what if there was a way to bid farewell to this age-old security woe?

Enter the world of Google Passkey, a revolutionary solution that promises to change the way we secure our digital lives. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into how Google Passkey works, its advantages, and how you can start using it to enhance your online security.

The Genesis: FIDO Alliance

The story begins with the formation of the FIDO Alliance, an industry association established in 2013 by major tech companies. FIDO, which stands for Fast IDentity Online, was created to address the shortcomings of traditional passwords. The goal was simple: develop a more secure and user-friendly method of authentication, one that eliminates the need to remember and type in complex passwords.

Over the years, more tech companies have embraced the FIDO Alliance's vision, and Google stands out as a shining example. Their beta testing of Google Passkey was so successful that it has now become the standard way to protect your Google account.

Understanding Google Passkey

So, what exactly is a passkey, and how does it work? In essence, a passkey is a personalized FIDO credential, similar to a fingerprint or face scan, that securely resides on your device. Instead of relying on a combination of usernames and passwords, you can use your passkey to unlock your accounts. This means no more Post-it notes with passwords stuck to your monitor and no more agonizing over which password to use.

The key advantage of passkeys is their security. Unlike traditional passwords, which are notoriously easy to crack, passkeys are nearly impenetrable. Since they are stored locally on your device, they cannot be hacked or guessed like passwords. Moreover, each device has its unique passkey, eliminating the risk of a single password unlocking multiple accounts. This is a significant departure from the common practice of using a handful of passwords for all accounts, as studies have shown.

Ready to Make the Switch?

If you're tired of entering credentials repeatedly throughout the day, setting up passkeys with your Google account is the way to go. While passkeys are automatically created for Google devices, you'll need to set them up on any other devices you use to access your accounts. Here's how:

  1. Go to g.co/passkeys.
  2. Tap "Get passkeys" and sign in.
  3. Select "Use passkeys" and follow the onscreen prompts.

For added security, use biometric authentication, such as your fingerprint or face, whenever possible. It's a safer alternative to a PIN.

Apple Users, You're Not Left Out

If you're an Apple user, you can also benefit from passkeys. These work through the iCloud Keychain, but ensure you have two-factor authentication enabled. Here's how to set up passkeys on your Apple device:

  1. Go to the sign-in screen for a supported website or app on your iPhone.
  2. If setting up a new account, follow the onscreen instructions.
  3. When prompted to save a passkey, tap "Continue."

Please note that Passkey support depends on the website or app you're using.

To sign in with a passkey on your iPhone:

  1. Go to the website or app and tap the account name field on the sign-in screen.
  2. Select the suggested account name, or enter your own.
  3. Use Face ID or Touch ID for sign-in.

The passkey you saved will complete the sign-in automatically.

Embrace a Password-Free Future

Google Passkey offers a glimpse into a future without the headaches of traditional passwords. With enhanced security and ease of use, it's time to bid farewell to the old way of logging in. Whether you're an Android user or an Apple enthusiast, passkeys provide a more secure and convenient way to access your accounts. Say goodbye to passwords and welcome the era of passkeys.

As technology continues to evolve, it's essential to stay informed about the latest developments and digital trends. If you're interested in more tech insights, don't forget to check out my blog at www.technest.blog for the latest tech gear, security alerts, and digital life hacks. Join our community of tech enthusiasts who receive daily updates on all things tech. It's free!

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