‘You can’t give it away’ as all Google users urged to ditch their passwords for ‘unhackable’ alternative by experts
DON’T rely on passwords when there’s a better alternative.
Security experts have revealed how people using popular apps like Google, TikTok, Amazon, and Uber need to check their settings immediately.
There’s a new type of log-in technology called passkeys, which let you sign in without entering a password.
They are typically tied to some kind of authentication on your iPhone or Android – like a fingerprint scanner, Face ID, or your passcode.
However, not all apps and websites support them yet – but more are enabling them over time.
Cyber-experts at Keeper Security are urging users to try them, as they’re so much safer than passwords.
What is a passkey?
Passwords are very dangerous.
For a start, many people choose simple passwords that can be “cracked” in seconds.
And people with complex passwords often re-use them, allowing a single hack to result in multiple accounts being broken in to.
Even if you use a strong and unique password, it could still be leaked in a breach – or stolen by malware on your device.
Passkeys, by comparison, are far safer.
One report from Pentasecurity described them passkeys as “unhackable”, “unphishable”, and “unstealable”.
“Besides providing a convenient and seamless user experience, passkeys are also one of the most secure authentication options available.” it noted.
Passkeys are made up of two things: a public key and a private key.
The public key will be stored with the app you’re signing in to – like Google or Uber.
And the private key will be saved on your device.
“Passkeys are also overall safer to use than passwords since they are phishing-resistant, error-proof and support Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) by design,” said Keeper Security’s Aranza Trevino.
“Since passkeys are not user-generated but rather automatically generated using public key cryptography, they are also error-proof from common password mistakes and can’t be easily compromised.”
Which apps use passkeys?
Many apps now use passkeys, and you’ve probably already got some installed.
Keeper Security said that Google, TikTok, Amazon, and Uber all support passkeys – and urged users to set them up.
For instance, to set one up on Google, just sign in and go to your account settings.
Navigate to Security > How You Sign In To Google > Passkeys, and then verify your identity.
Then you’ll be guided on how to set your passkey up.
You can do the same process on TikTok, Amazon, and Uber to enable passkeys.