Earlier this year, Google introduced support for passkeys as part of a larger initiative to improve security and eventually eliminate the need for passwords. Since the launch, consumers have begun using passkeys across Google apps such as Search, YouTube and Maps. As the next step in establishing “a simpler and more secure way to sign into your accounts online,” and following positive feedback from early users, the company is offering passkeys as the default option across personal accounts. When signing into accounts, users will receive prompts for creating passkeys. Additionally, Google account settings will feature a toggle that reads “skip password when possible.”

The ultimate goal of rolling out passkeys is to provide an effective alternative to passwords, which are often challenging to remember as well as difficult to manage and update on a regular basis. There are also significant security weaknesses to passwords since they can easily be stolen. While many users use the same password across multiple accounts, concerns have escalated in recent years.

“Passkeys are specifically designed to address” the numerous limitations of passwords “and dramatically reduce the risk of phishing attacks by instead relying on a scheme that manages cryptographic keys stored on your devices for account authentication,” reports Wired.

In addition to its apps, Google has made passkey support available on platforms including its Chrome web browser, Android operating system and Cloud and Workspace accounts. Now it hopes the default option will help spur wider adoption.

“To use passkeys, you just use a fingerprint, face scan or pin to unlock your device, and they are 40 percent faster than passwords — and rely on a type of cryptography that makes them more secure,” explains the Google Blog.

Passkeys are being introduced across industries. “Recently, Uber and eBay have enabled passkeys — giving people the option to ditch passwords when signing-in on their platforms — and WhatsApp compatibility will also be coming soon,” notes Google.

“Apple’s and Google’s password vaults already support passkeys,” adds The Verge, “and so do password managers like 1Password and Dashlane. 1Password has also created an online directory listing services that allow users to sign in using a passkey.”

However, Wired suggests “there’s so much inertia on passwords around the world that even a player as big and influential as Google can’t force the issue overnight. But the company is clearly using its influence to steer users with gentle pressure that seems likely to continue mounting as passkeys gain broader momentum.”

Google explains it plans to “continue encouraging the industry to make the pivot to passkeys — making passwords a rarity, and eventually obsolete.”