Every single Android owner urged to use new settings – or risk very expensive dangers

ANDROID users are encouraged to try a new setting that can help keep you safe online.

Google says the new password feature is “significantly more secure” than using passwords.

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Passkeys were launched worldwide yesterday, as a replacement for using passwords.

It’s a big move by Google (as well as partners including Apple and Microsoft) to wean the world off passwords, which are considered dangerous.

“Passkeys are a significantly safer replacement for passwords and other phishable authentication factors,” said Google’s Android product manager Diego Zavala.

“They can’t be reused, don’t leak in server outages and protect users from phishing attacks.

“Passkeys are built on industry standards and work across different operating systems and browser ecosystems, and can be used for both websites and apps.”

Passwords have always been problematic.

Even if you choose strong passwords, they won’t necessarily protect you.

That’s because they can be leaked or hacked using methods beyond your control.

And you could even be “phished” by a scammer who convinces you to unwittingly give them your information.

By comparison, Passcode uses any authentication system you’d normally use to unlock your phone.

It could be facial recognition or a fingerprint scanner.

And that means you don’t have to remember many complicated passwords.

You can create and use passkeys on your Android device.

And they will be securely synchronized through Google Password Manager.

To create a passkey, you need to find a website that supports it.

Then simply verify your account information for password, then show your fingerprint, face or screen lock.

Signing in is similar: select your account and then use your usual unlock method.

You can also use your phone’s password to log in to other devices, which is useful if you’re using a PC.

Unfortunately, not all websites support passwords yet.

But they will become increasingly popular over time, so you’ll find more sites offering the option.

It helps that Apple and Microsoft are also pushing passcodes, with the iPhone recently adding support for them in iOS 16.

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