Google Has Added Passkey Support to Its New Titan Security Key

It's an additional step toward a future without passwords.

In an effort to move closer to a password-free future, Google is releasing a new Titan Security Key that has passkey capabilities. The cost of the USB-A and USB-C versions of the 2023 Titan Security Key is $30 and $35, respectively.

 

Although they are a little more specialized, hardware security keys are the most reliable multifactor authentication technique and are necessary (or highly recommended) in some business sectors. For your most important accounts, it's similar to having a house key: in order for a hacker to gain unauthorized access to an account secured by this authentication method, they need to physically possess your hardware security key. Passkeys and hardware security keys are comparable in many aspects. Upon accessing a website that uses passkeys, your device is saved with an encrypted key. You can log in by pairing the complementary key found on the website with your username. In essence, your gadget serves as an identity confirmer. Compared to a computer or phone, Google's new Titan Security Key is a plug-and-play authentication solution that can store up to 250 passkeys and is therefore less vulnerable.

Another noteworthy feature of the new Titan Security Key is that it now comes with NFC connectivity in both the USB-A and USB-C versions. Thus, instead of plugging in your smartphone to access a website or service, you can simply hold the device close to the Titan Security Key. To be clear, passkeys can be used without a hardware security key. The majority of phones and PCs come with an integrated passkey manager. The main target market for products such as the Titan Security Key is individuals who wish to add an extra degree of cybersecurity to their personal or work life.

$30 is the price of the new USB-A Titan Security Key. You will have to pay $35 for the new USB-C Titan Security Key. Buying two and keeping one as a backup is what I advise. Keep in mind that the security keys in the Yubico 5-series also have passkey functionality. It might be best to hold off on upgrading if you already have hardware security keys because passkeys are still relatively new and only a few websites currently support them.