How does Google want to get rid of your password

Passwords play an important role in our daily life on the Internet. It is designed to ensure that our digital identities are protected and our data does not fall into the wrong hands. For this to work, certain rules must be followed when creating a password – this is where problems often start. Instead of creating complex passwords, many users still rely on simple numbers or names. Thieves who want to do business with stolen access data are more active than ever.

These risks are a thorn in Google’s side, which is why the group has long been working on a password-free future. “Passwords are an issue and we want to stay away from it,” says Andreas Türk, Google Product Manager. Now the internet giant is taking another step aimed at removing passwords in the long run. More precisely, passwords should be replaced with so-called passkeys. They are created when a user wants to log into one of their online accounts. Authentication is done directly via the Android device, for example using fingerprint scanning or facial recognition. With this passkey, stored in an encrypted form, the user can access their account without having to enter a password. Once the digital key is generated, the mobile phone is not even required to be unlocked for future logins. “There is one passkey per account and per device,” Turk explains.

Also Apple & Co. on board

The technology standard behind Passkey is being developed by the FIDO Alliance. FIDO (Fast IDentity Online) is a consortium of companies with the goal of making authentication on the Internet more secure.

While Google will implement Passkey login in Android and Chrome, two other tech companies, Apple and Microsoft, are jumping on the cart. Password-less login will also be possible across iOS, macOS, Safari as well as via Windows and Edge. And even cross-platform authentication — like signing in to Google Chrome and unlocking in iOS — nothing stands in your way.

There is still no exact information about the availability of Passkey registration from various manufacturers, but it should be ready within a year.