Google Takes Major Step Toward ‘Passwordless Future’

Google announced this week that it has begun rolling out passkeys as the default option for users signing into their Google Accounts, a major move toward the company’s vision for a “passwordless future.”

Passkeys are a new form of credential that allow users to sign into accounts through biometrics like fingerprint or face scanning, without the need for cumbersome passwords.

“For some time we and others in the industry have been working on a simpler and safer alternative to passwords,” said a Google spokesperson. “While passwords will be with us for some time to come, they are often frustrating to remember and put you at risk if they end up in the wrong hands.”

The company stated that passkeys are not only easier to use than passwords, but also more secure, being resistant to phishing attacks.

“Unlike passwords, passkeys are resistant to online attacks like phishing, making them more secure than things like SMS one-time codes,” the spokesperson said.

Google has been developing passkey technology alongside industry partners like Apple, Microsoft, and the FIDO Alliance. The feature is now live for Google Account users on all major platforms including Android, iOS, and desktop browsers.

“Starting today, this will be available as an option for Google Account users who want to try a passwordless sign-in experience,” said the spokesperson.

While passwords will still function, Google is touting passkeys as the “easiest and most secure way to sign in to apps and websites and a major step toward a ‘passwordless future.'”

“So maybe by next year’s World Password Day, you won’t even need to use your password, much less remember it!” the spokesperson remarked enthusiastically about the potential impact of the technology.

The transition will be gradual, but Google says it looks forward to helping users and the industry broadly move toward passkey authentication as the new standard.