Google cancels the hassle of passwords and switches everyone to access keys: how to use them?
The search giant claims that the new key system is much more secure, easier to use, and more resistant to hacking.
Google has announced on its official blog that it is gradually starting to actively introduce access keys instead of regular passwords to its accounts. Now users don’t have to create and memorize complex passwords for Gmail and other search engine services to avoid becoming a victim of hackers.
Google assures that the cryptographic (encrypted) key access method is much safer and easier. Now, the next time users sign in to their Gmail, YouTube, or other Google service, they’ll be prompted to create and use an access key instead of a password. While access keys will be the default setting, those who wish to continue using passwords will be able to opt out of using keys.
To gain access, you will need to create a pin code or use an Android smartphone, which, in turn, will confirm that you are the owner of the account, as your fingerprint or facial identification is stored there. By using your fingerprint, face scan, or screen lock PIN, you are automatically logged into an app or website (as soon as you approve the request). In essence, the new system uses your device to prove that you are actually the owner of the account.
“We’ve found that one of the most immediate benefits of access keys is that they save people the headache of remembering all those numbers and special characters in passwords,” Google wrote in its blog post. “The keys are also tamper-resistant, and hackers won’t be able to do anything because they’ll have to physically access your smartphone.
Google first started supporting passwords in May, but now it is trying to expand the implementation of this feature worldwide. It will not be available immediately, so you will have to wait a bit.
Google is not the only company that insists on switching to passwords. Microsoft, Uber, and Ebay have implemented this technology. And in June, Apple announced that access keys will be supported with the release of iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS Sonoma.
