Apple, Google and Microsoft are currently switching to password less login to access websites and applications on their devices and platforms. The companies announced in a press release on Thursday the joint support of the system developed by the FIDO alliance and the World Wide Web consortium, they will say fast, as fast and more secure applications".

Representatives of each company cited security concerns as a key factor behind the change, linking the use of passwords to phishing, fraud, hacking and other security risks. There is also the annoying problem of remembering countless login details. These vulnerabilities have led in recent years to the emergence of two-factor authentication and password management, as well as access keys that can be used on devices.

However, experts say the new method will provide an added level of security by linking logins directly to devices (as opposed to sending data and authenticating through a remote server), as well as being easy to implement thanks to the same standards that apply to products. . FIDO says its registration process uses public key encryption techniques that generate a linked public and private key for the local device and user account. While the public key can be sent online and used to interact with various services or devices, the private key and local authentication information, such as fingerprint information, never leave the device.

"Advanced standards-based capabilities will allow websites and applications to offer unlimited passwords," said an Apple press release. "This new approach, which protects against phishing and login, can be much more secure than passwords and multi-factor legacy technologies such as one-time passwords sent via SMS."

This is what logging in without a password based on a Google blog post looks like this: Users run verification actions, such as entering a PIN to unlock their devices (Apple says fingerprints and Face IDs may also be options for their products). Once opened, users will no longer have to log in to other participating applications or browsers because the FIDO alliance uses a password key to do so. As Google explains, the system is "based on public key cryptography" and only provides your login information when your device is unlocked. The password system has the ability to connect to the cloud, so new devices can be on board under the same account.

The FIDO Alliance - an open industry association with representatives of many leading technology companies, including Amazon, Google and Meta - strives to achieve the goal of an online world without a password for many. year. This means a big change in the acceptance of their standards, as well as the ability to completely prevent access with a password. These standards are expected to be implemented by all three companies in the coming year.