In a bid to enhance user security, Google has implemented passkeys as the default option for signing into its platform.
What Happened: Alphabet Inc.'s (NASDAQ: GOOG) (NASDAQ: GOOGL) Google announced that passkeys have been activated as the default sign-in method for personal Google accounts. This change is part of the tech giant's Cybersecurity Awareness Month initiative to improve user safety.
Users will be prompted to create and utilize passkeys upon their next sign-in. The "Skip password when possible" setting will also be automatically enabled in their account preferences.
Passkeys, which are unlockable via fingerprint, face scan, or pin, offer a quicker, simpler way to access online accounts. They're 40% faster than traditional passwords and use a form of cryptography to boost security. Users can continue using passwords if desired by disabling the "Skip password when possible" option.
Since their inception earlier this year, passkeys have found use across major apps such as YouTube, Search, and Maps. Other industry leaders, including Uber and eBay, have also incorporated passkeys into their platforms. Compatibility with WhatsApp is expected soon.
Google's goal is to persuade the industry to adopt passkeys, aiming to render passwords obsolete eventually.
Why It Matters: The move to make passkeys the default sign-in option is part of Google's ongoing efforts to improve user security. Passkeys, which are faster and more secure than traditional passwords, are a significant step forward in this endeavor. By promoting the adoption of passkeys across the industry, Google is also influencing a shift towards more secure sign-in methods on other platforms. This change not only benefits Google users but also contributes to enhancing cybersecurity practices industry-wide.