Chrome OS 88 offers a faster way to sign in to websites, using your fingerprint or PIN

On supported sites such as Dropbox, GitHub, or Okta, Chrome OS now supports the ability to sign in to websites using your fingerprint ID or PIN! Basically, any site that supports something called “WebAuthn” will allow you to log in much faster than entering a long password.

I’m already hearing you say that you use Chrome’s autofill and save your passwords for quick access (unless you’re the one who says you absolutely don’t). Well, Webauthn can also be used as a form of two-step verification for these accounts. This means that instead of having to retrieve your phone for an SMS code or an authenticator app, you can simply enter your PIN or touch your fingerprint reader to continue!

It might go without saying, but to use this feature you’ll need to set up a PIN or fingerprint unlock in your Chromebook’s settings under Contacts> Security & sign-in. I recommend that if you opt to use your fingerprint reader that you set one or two fingers on each hand, not just your index finger or thumb on your dominant hand. There are a number of reasons for this, but it is primarily a matter of convenience.

I know it doesn’t exactly mean the death of the password, but it’s a step in that direction and I’ll take it. The closer we get to using biometrics for everything, the safer and less boring it will be to manage our digital identities on the web.