Google has introduced the latest version of the Titan Security Key at the Aspen Cyber Summit in New York City. Originally introduced in 2018, the Titan Security Key aims to safeguard against phishing attacks, preventing unauthorized access to Google Accounts. However, Google believes the ultimate solution is to eliminate passwords altogether. This led to the development of passkeys, a simpler and safer way to access accounts without relying on passwords.
The new Titan Security Keys are designed
to support passkeys, acknowledging that not everyone relies on smartphones or
devices that support passkeys for security. Google emphasizes the goal of
preventing attacks and intentionally designed the keys to incorporate secure
cryptography on a portable hardware device.
These two new models will replace the
current USB-A and USB-C devices, featuring NFC capabilities for quick
connections with mobile devices. With the capacity to store over 250 unique
passkeys, these keys rank as best-in-class among FIDO2 security keys. When
setting up a passkey for a Google Account on the new Titan Security Key, users
can establish a simple PIN code to securely sign in without a password in the
future.
As part of Google’s commitment to the
Advanced Protection Program (APP), which aids high-risk users, the company will
provide 100,000 of the new security keys at no cost to global high-risk
individuals in 2024. This initiative, supported by expert partners like Access
Now, Defending Digital Campaigns, Freedom House, the International Foundation
of Electoral Systems, Internews, and PUBLIC, aims to enhance online security
for individuals with high visibility and sensitive information.
The all-new Google Titan Security Key is
now available for purchase on the Google Store, with pricing as follows:
- USB-A/NFC Security Key: USD 30.
- USB-C/NFC Security Key: USD 35.
