Google Issues Urgent Warning: Ditch Passwords, Embrace Passkeys Amid Rising Cyber Threats
Google Issues Urgent Warning: Ditch Passwords, Embrace Passkeys Amid Rising Cyber Threats
As cyberattacks become more frequent and sophisticated, Google is sounding the alarm for internet users—especially Gmail account holders—to move away from traditional passwords and embrace modern, secure login methods.
According to Google, over 61% of email users have already been targeted by cyberattacks, a number expected to climb due to the growing use of artificial intelligence in online scams. The tech giant warns that passwords, once the cornerstone of digital security, are now one of its weakest links. They’re prone to phishing, can be exposed in large-scale data breaches, and are often difficult to manage.
“Passwords are not only hard to remember—they’re easy to steal,” Google said in a recent alert, urging users to switch to passkeys or secure social sign-ins like “Sign in with Google.” These alternatives offer stronger protection and are designed to be phishing-resistant.
What are Passkeys?
Passkeys replace traditional passwords with biometric verification such as fingerprint scans, facial recognition, or device-based pattern unlocks. They allow users to log in the same way they unlock their phone—without having to type or remember complex passwords.
Google is also seeing a generational divide in adopting this technology. Gen Z users are quicker to adopt passkeys and social logins, while older users remain more reliant on outdated and vulnerable methods.
The urgency of Google’s message was underscored by a recent incident involving Instagram head Adam Mosseri, who narrowly avoided falling for a phishing scam. Mosseri shared on Threads that he received a call from a California number claiming his Google account had been compromised. The scammers even sent a convincing email urging him to reset his password using the Gmail app. Alerted by a friend who had experienced a similar scam, Mosseri recognized the ploy in time and avoided becoming a victim.
With threats escalating and AI-powered scams becoming more sophisticated, Google is pushing users to rethink their digital security. The company is actively encouraging everyone to adopt password-free login options as a safer, more reliable way to protect personal data online.
