Google announced that passkeys in Google Password Manager will automatically sync across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and ChromeOS devices , for signed-in users.
Passkeys allow users to access websites and services without typing usernames and passwords . They use biometric authentication, such as fingerprints and facial recognition, and provide a more secure and convenient alternative to traditional passwords. The technology creates a cryptographic key pair (one public and one private) that is associated with a user's account. Apps and services that support passkeys use the public key to verify a person's identity by matching it with the private key, which is stored on the user's device.
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Passkeys have multiple advantages over passwords . The most important is the inability to steal passwords . Another advantage is protection against phishing attacks .
Previously, passkeys could only be stored in Google Password Manager on Android. To gain access from other devices, users had to scan a QR code using their Android device.
However, from now on, adding passkeys to Google Password Manager can be done from Windows, macOS, Linux , and Android devices. Once saved, passkeys will automatically sync across all devices, making it easier than ever to log in with your biometric method of choice.
ChromeOS support is in beta and iOS support is coming soon.
See also: Google passkeys have already been used more than 1 billion times
To secure the sync process, Google has also introduced a new Google Password Manager PIN for added protection. This PIN encrypts synced data so it remains end-to-end encrypted. Additionally, it is possible to use Windows Hello for passkeys, although Google Password Manager will be suggested by default.
“You can set a six-digit PIN by default or select ‘PIN options’ to create a longer alphanumeric PIN,” said Chrome product manager Chirag Desai.
“When you start using passkeys on a new device, you'll need to know either the Google Password Manager PIN or the screen lock for your Android device. These recovery factors will allow you to securely access your saved passkeys and sync them across your computers and Android devices..
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Passkeys are more convenient
With passkeys, users no longer have to remember complex passwords. In addition, security is enhanced . Login details cannot be stolen by hackers in the event of a breach, because the website or app does not know the users' private key. Phishing attempts will also fail because your device will not prompt users to log in unless it receives the public key from the correct, legitimate service.
Passkey is a relatively new authentication system that replaces traditional passwords . Efforts towards a secure password-free have been underway for the past few years, but are now bearing fruit as more and more companies are now supporting their use.
Source: www.bleepingcomputer.com
