Google "strongly encourages" its users to stop using passwords

[harlan4096]

Most users who have online accounts sign in using passwords. While there are some outliers, using security keys, passkeys and other advanced sign in options, the majority still relies heavily on passwords.

That is a problem, at least according to Google. The advertising company published a new article on its main site, The Keyword, that highlights the advantages of going beyond passwords.

Google backs this up with data. According to Google, 50 percent of consumers use passwords across accounts, which increases the risk of successful attacks against the user. Furthermore, another 50 percent writes down passwords or memorizes them.

Google gives a high-five to Gen Z users in the article, which bypass "outdated security norms like passwords" by opting in "for more advanced authentication tools.

The generation is 31 percent more likely to use passkeys and 32 percent more likely to use social sign-ins daily. Google notes furthermore that 60 percent of Gen Z spend at least five hours on their phones every day.

Clearly, more times on phones and less time on computers is fueling the shift. Social sign-ins, for example, allow users to sign in to services using accounts that they already use. Prime examples are Google or Meta accounts, which unlock access to a variety of services.

At least part of the shift comes from a shift in usage towards mobile devices. Convenience and speed is key here for many users.

Continue Reading...