Are you a business owner who uses the Google Advanced Protection Program (APP) for absolute online security? If so, recent updates mean Google’s Advanced Protection Program now offers passkeys for high-risk users like you, making it stronger. Below, we’ll explain the APP and how passkeys protect your online activities better than traditional passwords.
What Is the APP and Who Uses It?
Suppose you’re a high-risk user (like a political candidate, journalist, or attorney) or have access to sensitive data as a government worker or top executive. In that case, you’re probably using the APP.
The APP is the strongest level of security available on Google accounts to bar criminal activities like phishing, security breaches, malware threats, and more. That’s because, instead of a password, it uses a physical security key that connects to your electronic device and stores cryptographic keys to reduce cyberattacks.
However, buying a physical key has a big downside: You always risk losing the device. As of July 2024, Google’s Advanced Protection Program offers passkeys for high-risk users, so physical keys are a thing of the past.
The New Method for Accessing Your Account
Like security keys, passkeys help satisfy a step in the two-factor authentication process. However, they’re more convenient since you don’t need to purchase any physical hardware. That means you don’t have to pay for a passkey that you may not be able to afford or worry about bringing it everywhere, especially if you travel a lot for work. Furthermore, you won’t risk losing it.
Instead, you can use biometrics, which includes fingerprint or face scanning, or a PIN to access and protect your account. According to Google, they’re better than physical keys, are 50% faster, and are more effective when signing in than passwords.
Enrolling in the APP With a Passkey
Since Google’s Advanced Protection Program offers passkeys for high-risk users, you can now take advantage of the feature for unmatched added protection according to the FIDO Authentication standard. First, check that your device is compatible with the passkey option and that you are using the latest version of your browser. Next, visit the APP enrollment page and click “get started” so the instructions can walk you through the enrollment process.
During setup, the system will ask if you want to enroll with a passkey or physical one, so ensure you choose the former. Before completing the process, you must provide some personal information that Google can use in case recovery is necessary, such as a phone number, email address, or a secondary passkey. That way, you won’t become locked out of your account if something goes wrong.
Are you a Google account holder who wants ironclad data protection without the stress of managing a physical key? Learn more about how Google’s Advanced Protection Program offers passkeys for high-risk users and put this cool new feature to work for you today!
