Google is introducing "passkeys" as the default login method

Google has announced that “passkeys,” which it has described as “the beginning of the end” of passwords, are becoming the default login method for all users. But the change won’t happen overnight, we can expect it to happen over time.

“Passkeys” are an alternative to the familiar password. They allow users to log in to their accounts with the same biometric data or PIN they use to unlock their devices, or with a physical security key. This eliminates the need for users to rely on the traditional username and password combination, which has long been in use and is still considered quite vulnerable.

While security technologies like two-factor authentication and password managers add a layer of security, they're still not without flaws. For example: authentication codes sent via text messages can be intercepted by attackers, and password managers can (and have) been targeted by hackers.

Passkeys consist of two parts: one part remains on the application's server or website, and the other is stored on your device, allowing you to prove that you are the legitimate owner of the account. This makes it almost impossible for hackers to remotely access your account, as this requires physical access to the user's device - even if the server is compromised.

Google was an early supporter of “passkeys.” The tech giant first demonstrated this in May 2022, announcing support for “passkeys” in Android and Chrome. In May of this year, Google announced that it was rolling out support for the passwordless technology to Google account owners worldwide.

On Tuesday, the company took another step closer to eliminating passwords by announcing that “passkeys” will become the default authentication method for all Google account owners.

“This means that the next time you sign into your Google Account, you may already see reminders to create and use passkeys, simplifying your future logins,” said Google product managers Christiaan Brand and Sriram Karra.

Google claims that since introducing “passkeys” for Google Accounts, 64 percent of users said they were easier to use compared to traditional methods like passwords and two-step verification.

Google is encouraging all users to start using passkeys as their primary sign-in option. TechCrunch also recommends this option. While setting up passkeys may seem like an inconvenient task, it’s an investment that can protect you from a potential security disaster in the future. It can also save you valuable time, as Google claims that signing in with passkeys is 40 percent faster than using a password.