Google makes passkeys default option for personal Google Accounts

Google is making passkeys as the default option for personal Google Accounts. According to the tech major, passwords will remain part of our lives despite the fact that the industry-wide goal is to eventually make passkeys the new login standard.

"This implies that the next time users sign in to their accounts, they will start seeing prompts to create and use passkeys, making their future sign-ins simpler. Additionally, users will also see the 'Skip password when possible' option toggled on in their Google Account settings," Google said in a blog post on Tuesday.

What are passkeys?

Passkeys provide a more secure and simpler alternative to passwords. According to Google, passkeys are 40 per cent faster than passwords and they also rely on a form of cryptography, which enhances their security. With passkeys, a user can just unlock their device using a fingerprint, face scan or pin.

"But while they’re a big step forward, we know that new technologies take time to catch on — so passwords may be around for a little while," Google added. That is the reason why users will continue to have the option to use a password to sign in and can decide not to use passkeys by turning off “Skip password when possible”, the company said.

"One of the immediate advantages of passkeys is that they alleviate the need for people to remember all those numbers and special characters in passwords. Additionally, they are resistant to phishing," the company wrote.

As per the company, people have used passkeys on applications like Search, YouTube, and Maps. Additionally, eBay and Uber have recently implemented passkeys, providing users the choice to forego using passwords when signing in on their platforms, and WhatsApp compatibility will be introduced soon, the tech giant added.

The company said that it will keep users updated about other online accounts where one can begin using passkeys.