Passwords have always been a hassle. You need to keep them complicated to stay safe, yet easy enough that you don’t keep yourself out of your own accounts. While my first response would be to recommend using a password manager, because they are life changing, this isn’t about that. It’s about the fact that it might just be time to say goodbye to traditional passwords.
Passkeys are the next step in password evolution. All the big tech companies have been working on implementing them, with Apple starting to market it big time about a year ago. If you’ve been following us a while, we’ve been reporting on updates as things progress, but our last passkey update we essentially said it’s just not ready yet. There needs to be more adoption before it’s truly useful.
That time is coming and is knocking on the door right now.
Google is shaking things up and taking the next step by making Passkeys the new norm for signing into all personal accounts. Yep, we’re stepping into a fresh chapter of online security.
What exactly is a Passkey?
It’s the latest buzz in internet safety, and trust me, it’s something you, as a business owner, should be all ears about. Let’s dive in and get the lowdown.
So, What’s the Deal with Passkeys?
Picture this: Logging into your account with just a four-digit code or maybe your fingerprint or a quick face scan. That’s what a Passkey is all about.
Sounds pretty straightforward, right? But hey, it’s not just about ease. This nifty tech cuts down the risk of someone swiping your login details or hijacking your account. That’s right, it might just eliminate phishing.
Setting Up Passkeys – A Breeze!
Creating a Passkey? Piece of cake. Just hop onto Google’s Passkeys site HERE, pick a PIN or sync your biometrics (think fingerprints or facial ID), pair it with your smartphone, and voila – you’re all set.
A heads-up, though: Make sure your PC’s on Windows 10 or higher, or if you’re a Mac user, you need macOS Ventura at least. For your phone, it’s Android 9 or iOS 16 onwards.
For now, this magic works on Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Google Chrome.
Why Passkeys Rock
Google’s got the stats: 64% of folks find Passkeys a breeze compared to the old login dance.
They’re not just easier; they’re quicker and more secure. Logging in with a Passkey? It’s 40% speedier than typing out a password.
What’s the Future Looking Like?
Google’s move to make Passkeys the go-to sign-in method is just the start. They’re already working with some partners to spread this across Chrome and Android. It’s up and running on Uber and eBay, and WhatsApp’s next in line.
Time to ponder how Passkeys could up your business game. And hey, Google might just roll this out for business accounts soon.
But if you’re not ready to jump on the Passkey bandwagon, no sweat. You can opt out by tweaking the settings in the Sign-in options page.
Our two cents? Give it a whirl. It’s a game-changer in making things simpler and safer. Need a hand or got questions? We’re just a shout away.