Observed Signal · Jun 6, 2023 · Technical Release · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Google Passkeys Open Beta for Millions of Organizations
Google has opened an open beta allowing organizations to sign in to Google Cloud and Google Workspace using passkeys instead of passwords. Since May, Google has supported sign-in with passkeys that replace passwords and two-factor authentication, using device-stored methods such as fingerprints, face scans, or local pins. CEO Sundar Pichai announced that the open beta grants access to more than nine million organizations for this passkey option. The rollout marks a broad move toward passwordless authentication within Google's enterprise products, potentially simplifying sign-in for admins and users while reducing exposure from password reuse and phishing. Organizations are invited to adopt passkeys and integrate this option into their authentication workflows for Google Cloud and Google Workspace.
Major platform technical update enabling passwordless authentication for Google Cloud and Google Workspace; broad enterprise impact.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Open beta phase enables passkey sign-in for Google Cloud and Google Workspace for organizations.
- Google introduced passkeys to replace passwords and two-factor authentication in May.
- Passkeys use biometrics or device-bound methods (fingerprints, face scans, local pins).
- Sundar Pichai announced over nine million organizations have access to the passkey option in open beta.
- Access is specifically for Google Cloud and Google Workspace.
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Passkeys Explained Simply
This explainer describes passkeys — a passwordless authentication method built on asymmetric cryptography (public/private key pairs) and standardized by WebAuthn and FIDO2. Private keys remain on the user device (Secure Enclave, TPM, or hardware tokens like YubiKey), while servers store only public keys; authentication uses signed challenges, making passkeys resistant to phishing and server-side credential leaks. Major platform vendors (Apple, Google, Microsoft) now support passkey synchronization (iCloud Keychain, Google Account/Password Manager, Windows Hello) to aid device recovery. Many consumer services already offer passkeys (Google, Apple, GitHub, Microsoft, PayPal, Amazon, X). The article notes standards bodies (W3C, FIDO Alliance) and mentions implementation helpers and libraries used by developers.
Microsoft makes Passkeys default in Entra ID
Microsoft announced that passkeys will become the default authentication method in its Entra ID identity system starting September 1, 2026. Users who currently rely on SMS or voice call codes for multi-factor authentication (MFA) will be required to switch; Microsoft will continue to support SMS and voice codes only for companies that explicitly request it until February 2027. The change will be rolled out gradually, prompting affected users to register passkeys at their next MFA sign-in. Microsoft is also expanding support for device-bound and synchronized passkeys and adding administrative management controls. The company cited rising success rates of AI-powered phishing (reported up to 54% click rates versus ~12% for conventional phishing) as a key reason for the shift. Passkeys are based on FIDO2 and WebAuthn standards and replace passwords with cryptographic credentials tied to biometric or PIN-based device authentication.
Google simplifies password manager switching on Android
Google announced a new feature on Android that simplifies switching between password managers by eliminating the need for CSV file exports. Users can import passwords and passkeys directly between apps through a coordinated transfer process, which also supports passkey migration. The feature is available on Android 8 and above and works with select partners including Bitwarden, 1Password, and Dashlane, as well as Google's own password manager.
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