Google Broadens Its Passkey Plans For More Users & Devices

Multifactor authentication continues to be a new and more secure way for people to access devices, accounts, and data. While the traditional, single-factor authentication password system is fast, cheap, and easy to implement, it is also by far the most vulnerable security system.

As a result of digital security advances, newer and better systems are coming online. According to Gadgets 36-, Google is one of the major players in the technology industry that has decided to help its users enjoy greater security by implementing passkey systems for password-free security.

No More Stolen Passwords

For Chrome users on Android and Mac devices, Google now has a password-free system, known as a “passkey,” that users can use instead of traditional password systems. A single-authentication password system is extremely vulnerable because stealing or guessing the password alone grants total access to a device or account. Moreover, most passwords are considered “weak” because people choose easy-to-guess or remember passwords rather than endure the greater security and inconvenience of the recommended random string of alphanumeric characters that many find too difficult to remember and thus fail to comply with.

Multifactor authentication methods mean more than one form of verification is used. So even if a password is part of that system, stealing the password alone is not enough to grant total access.

How Passkeys Work

Passkey systems operate by pairing together two digital “keys” that must communicate with each other to grant access. A “public key” is first encrypted and stored online. The second, known as a “private key,” is generated for a specific device, such as a phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.

When a user attempts to access an account, data, or device that is passkey protected, the private key in a device must communicate via encrypted channels with the public key. Only after encrypted interaction and confirmation of private and public keys is access granted, but at no point is a passkey required.

Google Spreads The Word

Google is now making it easier for Chrome users to transition from passwords to passkeys. Chrome users who have Android devices can enjoy device-wide usage of passkeys. However, passkeys generated on Chrome for macOS or Windows devices will not have those passkeys shared online, only locally stored on specific devices. However, passkeys are still a stronger form of password-free security, especially when combined with other authentication factors such as biometrics.

If you’re interested in passkeys and increased cybersecurity, learn more here about Nok Nok’s multifactor authentication technology and passwordless security measures.