Google Workspace Introduces Passkey Support to Protect Users Against Phishing Attacks

google workspace gmail hero approved

Last month, Google introduced passkey support for consumer Google accounts. The company has now expanded the passwordless login solution to Google Workspace business accounts.

Passkeys is a passwordless authentication mechanism developed by the FIDO Alliance, including Google, Microsoft, and Apple. The feature allows users to log in to their phones or computers with a PIN, fingerprint, as well as face unlock, etc. Google explained that the feature is four times more secure compared to traditional passwords, 2FA, and SMS verification.

“Passkeys have also been designed with user privacy in mind. When a user signs in with a passkey to their Workspace apps, such as a Gmail or Google Drive, the passkey can confirm that a user has access to their device and can unlock it with a fingerprint, face recognition, or other screen-lock mechanism,” Google explained.

Google highlighted several advantages of the new passkey support for Google Workspace customers. The passkey feature helps enterprises to improve the security of user accounts, and prevents the reuse of passwords across different websites. Passkeys also provide stronger protection against phishing and other social engineering attacks.

Google Workspace Introduces Passkey Support to Protect Users Against Phishing Attacks

Google Workspace to roll out passkey support over the next few weeks

Google plans to roll out passkey support to all Workspace customers in a staggered manner over the next 15 days. The company says that enterprises will be able to use passkeys with password protection by default. However, administrators will need to head over to the Google Admin console to allow the use of passkeys as an alternative to passwords.

Google’s passkey open beta is currently supported on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS, as well as Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Chrome. It’s important to note that most companies have started integrating passwordless systems into their identity access management solutions. Google’s latest move to add passkey support should be a significant step toward a passwordless future.