Google has recently expanded its passkeys feature to enhance security and convenience for users across various platforms.
Description
Google has recently expanded its passkeys feature to include saving passkeys on desktop Chrome for Windows, macOS [3] [5] [6] [8] [9] [10] [11], and Linux [8] [10], with iOS support on the way. Passkeys can now be securely synced across various platforms, including ChromeOS, with a new six-digit recovery PIN required for saving passkeys on desktop to enhance security through end-to-end encryption. This PIN can also be used to access passkeys on new devices [3], along with the user’s Android screen lock [3]. The new Password Manager PIN functionality eliminates the need for scanning a QR code for authentication, enabling users to authenticate logins using biometric methods like fingerprint or facial recognition [9]. Passkeys can be generated for popular websites and applications [1], such as Google, Amazon [1] [11], PayPal [1] [11], and WhatsApp [1] [11], with support for Google’s productivity software. Over 400 million accounts are currently using passkeys [4], with ChromeOS support in beta testing [8] [11]. Google aims to provide users with convenience and security by seamlessly integrating Google Password Manager into Chrome and Android devices, without requiring additional app installations. This update is particularly beneficial for individuals at high risk, such as journalists and human rights workers [8], as it safeguards user data effectively. The technology behind passkeys is designed by the FIDO Alliance and supported by tech giants like Apple [5], Google [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11], and Microsoft [5], using public key cryptography for authentication [5]. Google’s expansion of passkey support gives users more security options [7].
Conclusion
The expansion of passkeys by Google not only enhances security for users but also provides a more convenient way to manage passwords across different platforms. This development has significant implications for user data protection, especially for high-risk individuals [8], and sets a precedent for future advancements in authentication technology.
References
[1] https://blog.google/technology/safety-security/google-password-manager-passkeys-update-september-2024/
[2] https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/google-rolls-out-automatic-passkey-syncing-via-password-manager/
[3] https://9to5google.com/2024/09/19/chrome-password-manager-passkey/
[4] https://thehackernews.com/2024/09/chrome-users-can-now-sync-passkeys.html
[5] https://www.gadgets360.com/apps/news/google-chrome-passkey-support-syncing-across-devices-improvements-6610752
[6] https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/19/24248820/google-chrome-passkey-logins-device-sync-password-manager-pin
[7] https://www.neowin.net/news/new-google-password-manager-pin-adds-layer-of-protection-for-your-passkeys/
[8] https://www.androidcentral.com/apps-software/google-password-manager-passkeys-cross-save-sync
[9] https://www.techradar.com/pro/new-google-pin-feature-introduces-cross-platform-chrome-password-sync
[10] https://chromeunboxed.com/google-brings-seamless-passkey-syncing-to-desktop-chrome/
[11] https://www.engadget.com/apps/google-passkeys-can-now-sync-across-devices-on-multiple-platforms-160056596.html
