No password! Google collects “passkeys” for Chrome users; Here is what it is

Here’s everything you need to know about Google Chrome’s passkeys:

What is a password?

Passwords are usually the first line of defense in our digital lives. However, they are at risk of being phished, leaked in data breaches and even suffer from poor password hygiene. Google has long recognized these issues, which is why we at Google created defenses like 2-step verification and Google Password Manager.

But to address security threats, the company decided to move towards passwordless authentication. This is where access keys come in.

Passkeys cannot be reused, do not leak in server breaches and protect users from phishing attacks. Access keys are built on industry standards, can work across different operating systems and browser ecosystems, and can be used with both websites and apps.

How can passwords be used?

Passwords can be used to log in to websites and apps that support them. When you sign in with a password key, you must authenticate yourself the same way you would unlock a device.

Currently, Chrome has enabled passkeys on Windows 11, macOS, and Android.

On Android, passwords will sync securely through Google Password Manager or, in future versions of Android, any other password manager that supports passwords.

When you have a passkey saved on your device, it can appear in autofill when you sign in to help keep you more secure.

On a desktop, one can choose to use a password key from a nearby mobile device.

An access key does not leave your mobile device when you sign in this way. Only a securely generated code is exchanged with the site, so unlike a password, nothing can leak.

To give users control over access keys, from Chrome M108 you can manage your passwords from Chrome on Windows and macOS.

Google allows users to sync their passwords from Android to other devices using either the company’s own password manager or a compatible third-party password manager such as 1Password or Dashlane.

Separately, Chrome recently announced two new performance modes for the desktop browser. The two modes are Memory Saver and Energy Saver which increase battery life and free up memory.

Google suggests that these new modes will allow users to reduce Chrome’s memory usage by up to 30% and extend battery life when a device runs out of power.

Currently, both of these modes are launched for Chrome desktop (m108), but will eventually be available worldwide.

According to The Verge, when Memory Saver and Energy Saver arrive on your device, you can find them under the three-dot settings menu in Chrome. Both functions can be activated or deactivated independently of each other.