Sep 20, 2024Ravie LakshmananEncryption / Digital Security

Google PIN Feature

Google on Thursday unveiled a Password Manager PIN to let Chrome web users sync their passkeys across Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, and Android devices.

“This PIN adds an additional layer of security to ensure your passkeys are end-to-end encrypted and can’t be accessed by anyone, not even Google,” Chrome product manager Chirag Desai said.

The PIN is a six-digit code by default, although it’s also possible to create a longer alpha-numeric PIN by selecting “PIN options.”

This marks a change from the previous status quo where users could only save passkeys to save passkeys to Google Password Manager on Android.

While the passkeys could be used on other platforms, it was necessary to scan a QR code using the device where they were generated.

Cybersecurity

The latest change removes that step, making it a lot easier for users to sign in to online services using passkeys by simply scanning their biometrics. Google noted that support for iOS is expected to arrive soon.

This, however, requires the users to know either the Password Manager PIN or the screen lock for their Android devices before using passkeys on a new device.

Google PIN Feature

“These recovery factors will allow you to securely access your saved passkeys and sync new ones across your computers and Android devices,” Desai said.

The development comes as the tech giant said passkeys are being used by more than 400 million Google accounts as of May 2024. Two months later, the phishing-resistant alternative was made available to high-risk users via its Advanced Protection Program (APP).

Found this article interesting? Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Explore More

The Rising Cost of Cybersecurity: How Companies Can Effectively Communicate the Value of Protection

Data shows that financial motivation is a huge incentive for threat actors, which explains the rising prevalence of ransomware and other extortion breaches in the corporate world. In 2023 alone,

RCE Flaw Exposes 22,000 CyberPanel Instances to PSAUX Ransomware

Hackers exploited an RCE flaw to target over 22,000 CyberPanel servers with PSAUX ransomware. Nearly all CyberPanel instances went offline as a result. Researchers said that in fact there are

A man’s mind, stretched by new ideas, may never return to its original dimensions.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nam et magna tempus velit finibus laoreet sed a arcu. Etiam ac massa vel risus interdum mattis. Suspendisse at libero turpis. Nunc