Google Passkey

Are we going to live in a world without passwords ? This is what Google tends, which, on this World Password Day, announces that this wish could soon come true. In a blog article published this Wednesday, May 3, the digital giant explains that he started to deploy the authentication procedure without passwords, called “Passkey” or access key in French. Tech companies have been discussing this authentication system for months that allows you to Connect to your accounts safely without having to enter a password.

Google novelty: Connect without password thanks to the passkeys

Find out how to create an access key to secure your Google account and authenticate yourself without using password.

Appoline Reisacher / published on May 4, 2023 at 10:38 a.m

Google sees the future without passwords

A few days before World Password, which will take place on May 6, Google has just announced a major novelty: the care of the Passkeys within Google accounts. So far, the company had already integrated the Passkeys on Chrome.

Concretely, passkeys (or access keys in French) allow you to connect to a Google account without using password, based on biometric data (digital imprint or facial recognition) or on the PIN code Screen screen lock used. In short, the Passkeys represent a more secure alternative than the use of a password or that double authentication, more sensitive to phishing and other scams. These access keys are not stored by Google, and remain available on the device in question only.

Passkeys are accessible on the iPhone (from iOS 16) as well as on Android smartphones (from Android 9), and can be shared on different devices (via iCloud for example, or a word manager pass).

It should also be noted that these passkeys are based on the Fido standard, supported and integrated by Google, but also Apple and Microsoft, which makes them functional on different operating systems, web browsers and websites.

How to configure an access key to your Google account ?

To use an access key as a connection to your Google account, the method is very simple:

• Go to the following link: G.CO/PASSKEYS, and enter your connection identifiers (email address in the account in question and traditional password),
• A page Access keys appear, click the button Create an access key,
• In the opening tab, press Continue, Then again Continue,
• Identify yourself using facial recognition, fingerprint, or PIN code of your device,
• Press on OK To confirm the creation of the access key.

Note: if you have created an access key from your mobile, and you want to connect to your Google account via a computer, it is possible ! After entering your email address to connect, then click on Try another method, Then Use an access key. In the opening tab, choose Use a phone or tablet, and scan the QR code that appears, with your mobile. You can then identify yourself via your biometric data (or your PIN code).

With this new authentication method, you no longer need to remember your passwords of 15 characters, 2 capital letters, 3 digits, 5 special signs … and who knows, on May 6 may mark the last day password global ?

Google definitely adopts the Passkeys, you can say goodbye to your passwords

In an article titled “So Long Passwords, Thanks for All The Phish” (Goodbye passwords, thank you for all phishing), the team responsible for implementing the Passkeys explains how to enjoy this today technology that will change our lives.

“Today you can create and use Passkeys on your personal Google account. From now on, Google will not ask you for your password or the two -step verification (2 FA) when you connect ”. All the big names in technology, among which we can count Apple, Google or Microsoft, had agreed to replace passwords by the Passkeys before 2024. The Mountain View firm is therefore the first to engage in this revolution which promises to be adopted very quickly by the general public, so much Passkeys are practical.

Passkeys remain optional, but Google advises you to use them today

“When you have added a passkey to your Google account, we will start asking for it when you log into or perform sensitive actions on your account. The Passkey itself is recorded on your computer or smartphone, which will ask you for a biometric identification or by PIN code To confirm that it’s really you. Biometric data is never shared with Google or any other third party – The locking screen only unlocks the Passkey locally »».

Despite all their qualities, Passkeys are not yet compatible with all devices. You are therefore not obliged to adopt them immediately. In addition, this technology is not a 100 % warranty against hackers or other malicious person. If you lose your device or if you suspect that someone can access the contents of your device, Google strongly suggests you Revoke the Passkey in the settings of your Google account.

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Thanks to “Passkeys”, Google signs the “start of the end of passwords”

Connecting to your Google account without password or verification in two steps, it is now possible from this Wednesday, May 3. The method (“passkey” or access key) is based on the “Fido” standard.

Are we going to live in a world without passwords ? This is what Google tends, which, on this World Password Day, announces that this wish could soon come true. In a blog article published this Wednesday, May 3, the digital giant explains that he started to deploy the authentication procedure without passwords, called “Passkey” or access key in French. Tech companies have been discussing this authentication system for months that allows you to Connect to your accounts safely without having to enter a password.

Just a year ago, Google, Apple and Microsoft indicated working to adopt a universal connection method based on the “Fido” standard. This is a process that allows you to authenticate on all compatible applications and services. His advantages ? First, there is no longer any passwords to remember. But above all, safety and resistance to attacks by phishing are largely strengthened. This method is much safer than SMS authentication, which can be easily diverted.

A private key and a public key

How does it work ? Passkeys allow users to connect to their Google account using their fingerprint, facial recognition, or PIN code. First step: you must first configure this method and Choose an authentication system in an “authenticator” like his smartphone or a browser. Advantage, it works on both an Android smartphone as an iPhone, a Mac or a PC with Windows Hello. Concretely, a pair of encrypted keys is created. The first, private, will be stored directly on your local device. The second, public, will be stored by the service provider and associated with your account.

There are therefore two levels of security without any password being necessary. Once this step has been made, the Fido authenticator will be unlocked when you share this system on your smartphone or computer – it will be enough to use facial recognition or fingerprint to access the application or service requested.

In the event of theft or loss, you can revoke the Passkey

On its site, Google explains step by step how to create the Passkey, or access key in French. Just go to your Gmail account for example and connect using a usual method. Once on your account, go to your safety settings, then in the tab ” How to connect to Google »». You must then click on Passkey or an access key and follow the procedure.

Ultimately, a user can connect to Google’s services on any device, including different browsers and operating systems. This technology must still be adopted by all major tech groups. Apple already said last September Take charge of the Passkeys in iOS 16. Microsoft has also announced similar implementation. Other major service and platform providers should follow.

And if you lose your smartphone, or if you are flying it, it is possible to revoke your Passkey. Do not panic if you do not want to adopt this authentication system: existing connection methods, including your password, will continue to operate in case you need it. The latter remains necessary when you use devices that do not support the passkeys yet, specifies Google. The end of the password era has not yet struck, but … we are approaching.