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Google Urges 1.8 Billion Gmail Users to Switch to Passkeys

Passkeys provide phishing-resistant, device-based login stored locally instead of relying on external servers

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Overview

  • Google is pressing all 1.8 billion Gmail users to phase out passwords and adopt passkeys through its Sign in with Google system.
  • Passkeys leverage built-in device unlocking methods such as fingerprint or face recognition to block phishing and credential-stuffing attacks.
  • Microsoft has already made passkeys the default authentication option for new Windows 11, Office 365 and Xbox accounts.
  • Passkeys are stored on users’ devices and synced via password managers, removing centralized credential repositories that hackers can target.
  • Adoption is uneven across generations, with digitally native Gen Z leading uptake while over 60% of Gen X and Baby Boomers still rely on traditional passwords.