Google is building passkey support into Android and Chrome, launching later in 2022, but people can test it today through the Play Services and Chrome Canary beta.
- What is happening? Google is adding password support to Android and Chrome after Apple introduced the password kill feature in iOS 16 and macOS Ventura.
- Why care? For passkeys to gain momentum, the more websites, apps, and companies that adopt the technology as quickly as possible, the better.
- What to do? If you’re part of the Google ecosystem, test password support today by signing up for the Google Play Services beta and downloading Chrome Canary.
Google adds password support to Android and Chrome
On October 12, 2022, Google announced on its Android Developer Blog that it will be rolling out passkey support on its Android and Chrome platforms. Access keys are a new technology that promises to replace the good old passwords.
“Passkeys are a much more secure replacement for passwords and other phishing authentication factors,”explains Google. “They can’t be reused, don’t leak when a server is hacked, and protect users from phishing attacks.”
Early adopters can test the feature today with web apps on Android by signing up for the Google Play Services beta and downloading the Chrome Canary browser.
When this feature is launched, Google customers will be able to securely sign in to web apps with passkeys and perform other actions, such as signing in to web apps on their computer, if they have previously stored a passkey on their phone. This is also possible with Apple’s implementation of password support.
What are passwords and how do they work?
Apple was the first to introduce passkey support in iOS 16, tvOS 16, and macOS Ventura, but it’s not an Apple-exclusive feature. Apple acknowledges this in a support document, writing that “passkeys are the security industry standard”and noting that “many websites and apps are rapidly adding support for passkeys.”
Passcodes are based on industry standards and companies like Google are free to use them. With two big players stating their support for access keys, we were finally able to get the right passwordless login solution regardless of the platform you choose. Read: How to Add Secure Notes to iCloud Keychain Passwords
Benefits of using access keys over passwords
With password technology, you can sign in to websites and apps, and create accounts using only Face ID or Touch ID, a quick biometric scan.
Instead of using a password, the system creates a much more secure cryptographic object. This requires two keys, one of which is stored locally and never leaves your device, and the other (the public key) is registered with the website or application you are using.
By using access keys, hackers cannot brute force attack your account because there is no traditional password to begin with.
An access key used for a single website/service cannot be used by mistake to enter a fraudulent website/app. Passkeys are synced via iCloud, so they’re easily accessible on other iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple TVs using the same Apple ID.
On Apple platforms, password technology is supported in iOS 16, tvOS 16, and macOS Ventura. Passkey support will arrive on iPad with the release of iPadOS 16.1 later this month.