Google said on Wednesday that the developers can now test Google Password Manager''s passkey support on Android and Chrome. Passkeys are designed as a safer alternative to passwords and traditional two-factor authentication methods. Google believes that passkeys will not be reused, but they will protect users against phishing attacks. This feature will be released later this year.
Google has revealed that passkeys on Android and Chrome are currently only available to developers via the Google Play Services beta and Chrome Canary. Normal users are expected to get this feature by the end of 2022.
The Google Password Manager features key components that are compatible with both websites and applications. They also include a similar interface as to password autofill.
Passkeys will look similar to those used today, but passkeys will always be end-to-end encrypted. Using a fingerprint, face, PIN, or pattern, users may be unable to prevent others from using passkeys even if they have access to a smartphone.
Passkeys will be backed up and synced through the cloud in order to prevent users from becoming locked out if they lose their devices. Using a passkey, users would need to enter the screen PIN, password, or pattern of another device with the encryption.
PINs, passwords, and patterns for the passkeys will be stored in secure hardware enclaves, according to Google. However, a malicious user fails to enter the correct information 10 or more times, the passkey will be unusable. However, the original user will still be able to recover it using an existing device.
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In 2023, the company promises to provide even more updates to Android, and plans to allow third-party authentication to support passkeys.