It is an authentication method that uses biometric authentication via fingerprint, a face scan or a screen lock PIN, set up on a single device, to log in to a website or app
Google says Passkeys are a simpler and safer alternative to passwords that are not at the risk of getting into the wrong hands, unlike passwords
Since passwords are complicated to remember, users often reuse them across several sites and apps. Hence, if a hacker gets his hands on one password, he can easily get into others
Developed by Google, Apple and Microsoft, Passkeys are now supported across Google accounts like YouTube, Gmail and Workspace. They are supported across devices running on Android, iOS and Windows
Once you set up the passkey, it will synchronise across all your devices via Google Password Manager and iCloud, which are signed into the same Google account
Google claims that “passkeys are resistant to online attacks like phishing, making them more secure than things like SMS one-time codes.”
Passkey creates a public and private passkey for each site. While hackers might get their hands on the public key via a website, they can’t get access to your account until they have your device too
Those who are more comfortable with logging in using passwords, can continue to do so as the company will not force anyone to switch to Passkeys
Just log in to your Google account with a password, click on 'Create a Passkey' and follow the instructions. The device will then ask you for your PIN or biometrics. Authenticate it and you are good to go