Google Workspace users can now sign in with passkey instead of password

 

Image Credit: Google Workspace Updates

Google Workspace administrators now have the option to enable passkeys for users, allowing them to skip passwords and use passkeys, such as fingerprints, face recognition, or other screen-lock mechanisms, to sign in to Workspace apps across various devices.

Passkeys are a more convenient and safer alternative to passwords as they confirm a user's device access and unlock it using biometric data, such as fingerprints or face recognition. Most importantly, this data is never transmitted to Google's servers or other websites and apps, ensuring a high level of privacy and security. The feature is currently available as an open beta, which means admins can utilize it without enrolling in a specific beta program. 

Passkeys are compatible with popular browsers and operating systems, including Android, ChromeOS, iOS, macOS, and Windows. According to early data from Google (gathered between March and April 2023), passkeys have proven to be twice as fast and four times less prone to errors compared to traditional passwords.

The underlying public key cryptographic protocols used in passkeys are the same as those employed in physical security keys like the Titan Security Key, which makes them resistant to phishing attempts and various online attacks. Google's research has demonstrated that security keys, including passkeys, provide stronger protection against automated bots, bulk phishing attacks, and targeted attacks compared to other traditional forms of two-factor authentication (2FA), such as SMS or app-based one-time passwords.

Google Workspace admins can turn on or off the ability to use passkeys to skip passwords in the Admin console under Security > Passwordless. Once enabled, end users can start using passkeys instead of passwords.

The feature will be available to all Google Workspace customers and Cloud Identity customers. Since it is rolling out gradually, it may take up to 15 days for the feature to be fully visible.