Google implements login without passwords with ‘passkeys’, a system based on facial recognition

Google has announced that it is implementing account logins in Android Y Chrome without the need for passwords, using only private keys or ‘passkeys’, based on facial and fingerprint recognition systems.

The company publicized its bid to eliminate passwords a few months ago, when it said it was paving the way for a password-based system based on proposals from the FIDO (Fast Identity Online) Alliance.

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This alliance, to which some of the most important technology companies belong, seeks to create new secure standards for managing digital services and plans to abandon traditional systemssuch as passwords or two-factor authentication.

Thus, it proposes a system of private keys or ‘passkeys’ that are linked to the personal accounts of the users and that can be synchronized between devices for use on the web through the Google Password Manager

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Google has announced that this system is now available in Android and Chrome, which offer support for access keys and that they represent “a significantly more secure replacement for passwords and other fraudulent authentication factors”, as indicated in its blog for developers.

This new passwordless login system will be coming to stable channels later this year. As the company has explained, to create an access key, the user must confirm the access account information (with associated username or email). Next, you have to use a biometric recognition system.

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Thus, the owners of these accounts can choose between the fingerprint, opt for facial recognition or simply the screen unlock key of the terminal. Therefore, to log in, they will only need to indicate the user and add their private ‘passkey’.

In case they want to access a certain account from a computer, they can do it as long as they have their mobile phone nearby. That way, a user with an Android device can log in to their account from the Mac’s browser, Safari, just like an iPhone owner can log into Chrome with the password saved in iOS.

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Therefore, when trying to access an account from the computer, the website will generate a QR code, which the user must scan with their mobile phone. Next, you will need to include your key (unlock PIN, fingerprint or facial recognition) to use your account on that website.

Google has stressed that since the access keys are based on industry standards, this system works across platforms and browsers in order to provide a consistent user experience. These include Windows, macOS, iOS, and ChromeOS.

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Likewise, the manufacturer has indicated that developers can already create applications for Android or websites in Chrome compatible with access keys through the WebAuthn API. To do this, they must sign up for the beta version of Google Play Services and use Chrome Canary.

Finally, he has said that he will continue working on new access formats without passwords and that from next year he will introduce new changes in Android.

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It should be remembered that Apple also announced this summer that it would introduce a new authentication functionality on iPhone, iPad and Mac with which you could log in to compatible websites using TouchID or FaceID.

Then he said that Passkeys would arrive at the end of the year to these devices with a preview, within the iCloud keychain, intended for passwords and security on the brand’s equipment.

Source: Elcomercio

James

I have worked as a journalist for over 10 years and have written for various news outlets. I currently work as an author at 24 News Recorder, mostly covering entertainment news. I have a keen interest in the industry and enjoy writing about the latest news and gossip. I am also a member of the National Association of Journalists.