Google has started automatically prompting users with personal accounts to enable login passcodes instead of passwords. Passwords will still work in contexts that do not yet support passkeys.
Based on the WebAuthn standard, passkeys use biometrics or PINs for local device authentication instead of memorized secrets. This makes them more secure and convenient than passwords.
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Google has been expanding passcode experiments over the past year across all of its products. Allowed personal account passcode access for all users in May, but required manual registration. Passwords will now be requested by default.
How do passcodes improve login security?
Access keys are generated by creating a unique pair of cryptographic keys for each account or website. One key resides on the server, while the other remains on your local device for login.
This separation means that a leaked password cannot compromise multiple accounts. Local authentication, like biometrics, replaces written secrets, preventing phishing.
Users don’t have to memorize passwords either. Passwords act in some ways as password managers built natively into devices and operating systems.
Previous Google Password Implementation Steps
Over the past year, Google has added passkey support to products like Chrome and Android as part of its adoption of WebAuthn standards.
In May 2022, it enabled passcodes for all personal Google accounts, but required enabling them manually. Few users chose to participate without prompting.
Google is now asking all users to switch to passcodes to improve login security. Users can still revert to passwords in settings if they prefer.
Wider adoption of password replacement access keys needed
For passcodes to fully replace passwords, broader adoption across operating systems, browsers, and websites is required. But progress is accelerating.
Apple adopted passcodes in iOS 16 and macOS Ventura. Microsoft added support in Windows 11 and Edge. The FIDO Alliance and W3C standardize specifications.
The fact that Google requires passwords by default for billions of account holders will help drive ubiquitous use. Other tech giants are likely to follow suit.
Benefits of the access key beyond security for users
Beyond greater security, access keys offer greater convenience for users than passwords.
Passwords eliminate the need to memorize complex secrets unique to each account. Users only need to remember one authentication method, such as a fingerprint.
Logging in using biometrics or PIN codes is also much faster than typing passwords, especially on mobile devices. Passwords save users time and hassle.
Possible obstacles to overcome when changing your password
Some challenges remain in fully replacing passwords with access keys. Users may have difficulty regaining access to the passkey if their devices are lost.
There are still risks of phishing through fake login requests. The browser extension and compatibility with older devices needs to be improved.
But tech giants and standards bodies are actively working to ease the transition and address weaknesses.
Passwords lay the foundation for a password-free future
Passwords represent a paradigm shift in account security and accessibility. That Google adopts them for all users brings the future without passwords closer.
Other influential companies doubling down on their support for passcodes will remove more barriers to transitioning from obsolete passwords.
Widely used open standards, such as WebAuthn, ensure that access keys work across different products and platforms for a seamless experience. Google’s move signals the beginning of the end for passwords.
With the launch of Passcode, Google takes a monumental step in phasing out passwords to protect online accounts. Biometric-based passwords offer greater security, convenience, and password accessibility for users. As more technology providers add support, passcodes solidify their position as the ultimate password replacement and bring the passwordless future closer to reality.
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Categories: Technology
Source: vtt.edu.vn