Google Rolls Out a New Biometric Authentication Feature Called Passkeys

To increase the security of its users' accounts, Google has introduced a new biometric authentication feature called passkeys across its platforms. Google Account Users as well as Administrators of Workspace Accounts can now make use of this security feature.

What Are Passkeys?

Passkeys are a type of authentication method that uses the biometric data of users to validate them into their accounts. The biometric data could be in the form of either fingerprint or any other biometric feature.

This form of authentication is more secure than the conventional method of passwords, which are prone to hacking and phishing attacks.

Passkeys are also more convenient as users don't need to memorize or store complex alpha-numeric passwords. With a passkey, they can easily verify their identity using their biometric features, making it a reliable and secure form of authentication.

Why the Need for Passkeys?

Passkeys are a much more secure form of authentication that prevents data breaching and misuse through hacking and phishing attacks.

Since passkeys use biometric data, it becomes next to impossible for hackers to try to hack into systems. And therefore, passkeys are a secure way to access and safeguard users' accounts.

How to Set Up Passkeys on Google?

Users can set up passkeys through their Google Account Settings. Do note that the passkey feature is not enabled by default, so users will have to enable it from their Account Settings.

The feature is also available for administrators of Google Workspace accounts. Google is also said to be working on bringing the option to enable passkeys for end-users during sign-in itself for Google Workspace.

Passkeys can be set up with either a fingerprint sensor or face unlock. Since most smartphones currently support fingerprint and face unlock technology, users will not face a problem when trying to set up and use this feature on their Google accounts.

Furthermore, users can use this security feature on all major platforms as Google has rolled out support for passkeys on Android and iOS.

Recently Google rolled out another privacy feature called Blue Checkmarks on Gmail to verify authentic accounts.