VOA科学技术2023--Google's Passkeys to Replace Passwords

There is good news for people who hate passwords. Google has added a different way to log in to its services. This new feature employs the use of "passkeys."

What are passkeys?

Passkeys represent a safer alternative to passwords and texted confirmation¹ codes. Users will not ever see the passkeys directly. Instead, an online service like Gmail will use them to communicate directly with a trusted device such as your phone or computer to log you in.

All a person has to do is confirm their identity on the device. This confirmation, also known as verification, can take several forms. It could be a PIN unlock code, a fingerprint² or face scan, or a physical security dongle.

Google designed its passkeys to work with different kinds of devices. You can use them on iPhones, Mac and Windows computers as well as Google's own Android phones.

Why are passkeys needed?

Thanks to smart hackers³ and human weakness, passwords are just too easy to steal or defeat. And making them more complex just opens the door to users defeating themselves.

In short, passwords put security and ease of use directly at odds⁴. In addition to getting around these problems, passkeys have one additional strength over passwords. Passkeys are specific to websites, so hackers cannot steal a passkey from one website and then use it to steal from a person's bank account.

How do I start?

The first step to using passkeys is to enable them for your Google account. On any trusted phone or computer, open the browser⁵ and sign in to your Google account. Then visit the page g.co/passkeys and select the choice to "start using passkeys." The passkey feature is now activated⁶ for that account.

If you are on an Apple device, you will first be asked to set up the Keychain app if you are not already using it. It securely stores passwords and now passkeys as well.

The next step is to create the actual passkeys that will connect your trusted device. If you are using an Android phone that is already logged into your Google account, you are most of the way there. Android phones are ready to use passkeys, though you still have to enable the function first.

On the same Google account page noted⁷ above, look for the "Create a passkey" button. Pressing it will open a window and let you create a passkey either on your current device or on another device. There is no wrong choice; the system will simply notify you if that passkey already exists.

If you are on a PC that cannot create a passkey, it will open a QR code that you can scan with the cameras on iPhones and Android devices. You may have to move the phone closer until the message "Set up passkey" appears. Tap that and you are on your way.

Then what?

From that point on, signing into Google will only require you to enter your email address. If you have gotten passkeys set up correctly, you will simply get a message on your phone or other device asking you for your fingerprint, your face or a PIN.

Of course, your password is still there. But if passkeys take off, the odds are good you will not be needing it very much. You may even choose to delete it from your account someday.

Words in This Story

password – n. a series of numbers, letters, or symbols that allows you to use a computer system

alternative -- n. a choice or option

code -- n. a set of letters, numbers, or symbols that identifies or gives information about something

dongle – n. a small device that plugs into a computer and serves as a security measure

specific – adj. relating to a particular website, person, situation, etc.

app -- n. a computer program that performs a special function

function – n. the special purpose or activity for which a thing exists or is used

QR code – n. a code consisting of black and white squares, typically used for storing URLs or other information

1 confirmation   

n.证实，确认，批准

参考例句：

• We are waiting for confirmation of the news.我们正在等待证实那个消息。
• We need confirmation in writing before we can send your order out.给你们发送订购的货物之前，我们需要书面确认。

2 fingerprint   

n.指纹；vt.取...的指纹

参考例句：

• The fingerprint expert was asked to testify at the trial.指纹专家应邀出庭作证。
• The court heard evidence from a fingerprint expert.法院听取了指纹专家的证词。

3 hackers   

n.计算机迷( hacker的名词复数 )；私自存取或篡改电脑资料者，电脑“黑客”

参考例句：

• They think of viruses that infect an organization from the outside.They envision hackers breaking into their information vaults. 他们考虑来自外部的感染公司的病毒，他们设想黑客侵入到信息宝库中。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Arranging a meeting with the hackers took weeks againoff-again email exchanges. 通过几星期电子邮件往来安排见面，他们最终同意了。 来自互联网

4 odds   

n.让步，机率，可能性，比率；胜败优劣之别

参考例句：

• The odds are 5 to 1 that she will win.她获胜的机会是五比一。
• Do you know the odds of winning the lottery once?你知道赢得一次彩票的几率多大吗？

5 browser   

n.浏览者

参考例句：

• View edits in a web browser.在浏览器中看编辑的效果。
• I think my browser has a list of shareware links.我想在浏览器中会有一系列的共享软件链接。

6 activated   

adj. 激活的 动词activate的过去式和过去分词

参考例句：

• The canister is filled with activated charcoal.蒸气回收罐中充满了活性炭。

7 noted   

adj.著名的，知名的

参考例句：

• The local hotel is noted for its good table.当地的那家酒店以餐食精美而著称。
• Jim is noted for arriving late for work.吉姆上班迟到出了名。