"Passwords: The Beginning of the End and the Rise of Alternative Authentication Methods"

 The password has been the primary method of authentication for decades. It has served as the first line of defense for securing our digital lives. However, with the increasing number of data breaches and cyber-attacks, passwords have become less reliable. As a result, tech companies have been exploring alternative authentication methods to replace passwords. Google, one of the largest tech companies, has recently introduced its new passkey authentication method, which could mark the beginning of the end of passwords.

Google's new passkey authentication method is a new way of logging into your Google account that doesn't require a password. Instead, it uses your Android phone or tablet as a physical security key. The idea behind this method is that your phone is always with you, and it's much harder for someone to steal your phone than to guess your password.

"Passwords: The Beginning of the End and the Rise of Alternative Authentication Methods"To use this method, you need to have an Android phone or tablet running Android 7.0 or later and Bluetooth enabled. You also need to have a Google account and be signed in on your phone or tablet. Once you've set it up, you'll be prompted to use your phone as a security key whenever you sign in to your Google account on a computer. You'll need to have your phone nearby and have Bluetooth turned on. Then, you'll need to hold down the volume down button on your phone when prompted.

Google's passkey authentication method is built on top of the FIDO2 (Fast Identity Online) standard, which is an open authentication standard that aims to replace passwords with more secure authentication methods. FIDO2 uses public-key cryptography to provide secure authentication without the need for passwords. This means that even if a hacker manages to intercept your login attempt, they won't be able to use it to log in to your account without your physical security key.

While Google's passkey authentication method is currently only available for Google accounts, it's likely that other tech companies will adopt similar methods in the future. This could mark the beginning of the end of passwords as we know them. As more companies adopt alternative authentication methods, such as physical security keys, biometrics, and two-factor authentication, passwords will become less relevant.

In conclusion, passwords have been the primary method of authentication for decades, but they're becoming less reliable. As a result, tech companies have been exploring alternative authentication methods to replace passwords. Google's new passkey authentication method is a new way of logging into your Google account that doesn't require a password. It uses your Android phone or tablet as a physical security key, making it much harder for someone to steal your phone than to guess your password. This method is built on top of the FIDO2 standard and provides secure authentication without the need for passwords. As more companies adopt alternative authentication methods, passwords will become less relevant, and we could be witnessing the beginning of the end of passwords.

Source; Google