Google’s Passkeys for Enhanced Security: Over 1 Billion Users and Counting”.

In 2019, Google announced the launch of passwords that have since been used over one billion times in more than 400 million accounts. The company has responded to this milestone by expanding its multi-account protection program. Access keys are an alternative to passwords that offer stronger security by linking a private key to a user’s personal account and synchronizing it between devices for website use.

Since Google first announced that passkeys would be implemented in 2022, they have been used to authenticate users over one billion times across more than 400 million Google accounts. Passkeys will soon be included in the advanced protection program targeting public figures and professionals at greater risk of targeted attacks. Additionally, the multi-account protection program has been extended to notify users of suspicious activity in applications and services linked to a Google account.

The multi-account protection program currently protects 2.4 billion accounts across 3.4 million apps and sites, with Google hoping to reach billions of online users through new partnerships with industry partners. These efforts aim to enhance online security and protect users from potential cyber threats.