The end of passwords is upon us, and Google is marking the moment with World Password Day. How to celebrate this day!
Managing passwords is a chore. There are tools to help (like password managers), but it requires setup and can quickly get lost between devices.
However, a new account protection system is circulating the Internet: Passwords (Access Keys). They significantly reduce the burden of passwords. You only need a device capable of acting as an authenticator to configure a password (access keys), then use a biometric method on this device (face recognition, fingerprint) or use a PIN code to authenticate connections.
Google switches to passwords
After Apple or 1Password and others, Google announces support for passwords for Google Accounts ahead of World Password Day 2023.
Passkeys started making headlines last year when Google, Microsoft and Apple pledged to adopt them. Based on FIDO standards, passwords manage your login information using public key encryption (also known as asymmetric encryption) that creates a public key and a private key. As for the passkey, the public key belongs to the website you connect to, and you have the private key.
You can store the private key on one device (usually a smartphone), but sync it with an account for access from other devices. Both keys together allow you to access the service in question. In October 2022, Google began supporting password storage in Chrome and Android. Now you can also login to your Google account with passwords.
Why use it? Pass key Rather than a password (access keys)?
Why switch to passkeys when you already have a strong, unique password and two-factor authentication (2FA) set up? Passwords provide better protection against data breaches. Google only has your public key and cannot use it to determine your private key.
The passkeys are tied to the generated service, which prevents fraudulent sites from stealing your credentials. This means no additional two-factor authentication is required.
How to configure passkeys (access keys) on your Google account?
To enable passkeys on your Google Account, follow these steps:
- meeting myaccount.google.com from your web browser.
- Click on “Security” in the left column.
- Under the “How you sign in to Google” section, click “Access keys.” If you don’t see this option, you must first click “Use your phone to sign in” and link your account to a device like a phone or tablet.
- Click the blue “Apply Access Keys” button.
By following these steps, you can enable passkeys as an extra layer of security for your Google Account. Passwords provide an alternative authentication to traditional passwords, making your account more secure.
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