Traditional passwords are on the way out

You've probably heard lots about passwords and how important it is to create long, complicated passwords, and that you should use a different long, complicated password for every website you have a login for.

So you might be surprised to hear that traditional passwords appear to be on the way out, because Google has officially made passkeys the default sign in method for personal accounts on its network.

What's a passkey?

It's a new innovation in IT security. A passkey can be a four digit PIN or biometric data like facial recognition, or a fingerprint.

It might sound simple, but the technology makes it much less likely that your credentials could be stolen.

What are the benefits of using passkeys?

Google says that 64% of people find passkeys easier to use than traditional login methods. Passkeys are also much faster to use to log in than regular passwords are.

How do passkeys work?

They're really easy to use. Google has a passkeys website, where you just need to create a PIN or connect your biometrics, link your phone up, and you're good to go. As long as your PC has Windows 10 (Macs need macOS Ventura or above), and you have either Android 9 or iOS 16 on your phone, you'll be able to start using passkeys.

Other big names are following Google's example in setting passkeys as the default sign in method.

Passkeys are already available on Uber and eBay, with WhatsApp planning to follow soon.

If you're not quite ready to embrace passkeys just yet, you can still opt out. Just head to the sign in options page, find 'Skip password when possible' and toggle off the switch.

Just let me know if you need a hand securing your devices.