Goodbye passwords! Google just made a huge security change - Will it stick?
Passwords might be one of the biggest tech frustrations. Make them too hard, and they’re impossible to remember. Too easy, and your accounts are practically wide open.
Maybe you use a password manager or your browser’s built-in option to remember your logins. Here’s how to find saved passwords in your browser.
Those solutions aren’t perfect, of course. Password managers get hacked, and anyone with the know-how can access your saved browser options. No wonder tech companies are working to welcome us to a future sans passwords.
It starts with the FIDO Alliance
That stands for Fast IDentity Online. Big tech companies launched the industry association in 2013 to build a better system than passwords we have to keep track of and type in. Now we’re seeing more start to roll it out, and Google’s beta testing worked so well that the company just made it the standard way to protect your account.
Before we get to how to use passkeys, let’s do a deep dive into how they work.
What is a passkey, and how does it work?
A passkey is a personalized FIDO credential (like your fingerprint or face scan) that lives securely on your device. You use that instead of a username and password to unlock your accounts.
Another bonus: No more sticky notes with passwords on your monitor. Passkeys also eliminate the daily “Which password did I use here?” dilemma. Naturally, it’ll be faster and easier to log in.
But is it safe to use? Glad you’re asking. The unique structure of passkeys makes them near-impenetrable, unlike passwords — which are notoriously easy to crack. Since they’re stored on your local device, passkeys can’t be hacked or guessed like passwords.
And there’s no concern of a hacker getting their hands on one of your passwords and opening the keys to the castle since each device has its unique passkey. That’s a far cry from passwords, and studies show most people rely on only a handful of passwords for all their accounts.
Want to try it out?
Security upgrade: How to set up Google and Apple passkeys
I hate passwords. I know you do, too. Tech companies know we all do — and they’re finally doing something about it. Good timing, given how fast AI can crack passwords now, eh?
Passkeys use your device’s built-in security, like the fingerprint scanner on your phone or facial recognition on your laptop, to make online access tighter than the passwords you struggle to remember.
10 tips to secure your accounts with strong passwords
Two decades ago, you had a single password to keep in mind, maybe two. But these days the list of sites and accounts you might want to sign up for is nearly endless. What’s worse is hackers prey on people who reuse passwords, so it’s important to use strong, unique passwords for every site.
Can't remember your passwords? Passkeys could make them obsolete
A weak password is a welcome mat for scammers and hackers. Strong, unique passwords are among your first lines of defense when it comes to cybersecurity.
We hope you don’t use the same passwords for multiple accounts. We hope your passwords aren’t easy to guess. And we really hope your password isn’t “password”! Here are 10 ways to secure your accounts with strong passwords.
7 new iPhone security and privacy features you MUST use
Smartphone developers are constantly working to introduce patches and updates for your device. You shouldn’t hesitate to update as soon as one rolls out, as it could contain important security features to protect you from hacks, malware, viruses and more.
How to see (and fix) all your compromised passwords on your iPhone
Account credentials are getting more difficult to protect. Hackers are everywhere and target your online accounts, no matter what they are. Tap or click here for details on a recent data breach that put millions of seniors at risk.
Use a PC and an iPhone? You can now manage your iCloud passwords from your computer
The line between Android, iOS, Mac and PC is becoming more blurred with time. You could run Windows on Mac for quite some time, and the upcoming Windows 11 will have compatibility for Android and its apps.
However, you don’t have to wait for Windows 11 to use some of your smartphone’s functions from your PC. You can connect an Android phone or iPhone to your Windows 10 PC with a desktop app. Tap or click here for instructions.
The best free password manager to use on iPhones, iPads and Macs
Two decades ago, you had a single password to keep in mind, maybe two, but these days the list of sites and accounts you might want to sign up for is nearly endless. What’s worse is hackers prey on people who reuse passwords, so it’s important to use a strong, unique password for every site. Fortunately, we have the ultimate password tip for iOS users that will keep you safe!
How to sync your iCloud passwords with Chrome
Apple products incorporate the company’s Keychain technology to store your passwords securely. But if you move between Apple’s iCloud and a Windows PC, accessing the passwords on both devices is nearly impossible.
Well, Apple has officially released its iCloud Passwords manager for Google’s Chrome browser on Windows PCs. The extension works the same way it does on Apple devices, allowing you to create, store and access all your strong passwords. Tap or click here for rules to creating better passwords.
iPhone privacy tip: Powerful security setting returns in iOS 14
In Apple’s upcoming operating system update, iOS 14, Apple ID Recovery Keys are back. With this feature, you can easily add an extra layer of security to your device to make sure all important, personal data is kept secure and away from the eyes of strangers.