Google introduces two-factor authentication without codes and SMS

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Worried about the safety of your personal data? Want to protect your Google Account from being stolen or hacked? Use Google's new two-factor authentication algorithm with your smartphone.

Two-factor (two-step) verification of a user when logging into an account is by far the best way to protect data from hacking and use by third parties. Google today introduced a new two-factor authentication method using a smartphone.

Using this algorithm, you will need a login-password combination and a smartphone to enter your account. No additional devices, apps or waiting codes. It is worth noting that this function works both ways and allows you to find a lost device or unlock it using a computer.

This feature was announced for Google Business Accounts. However, as it turned out, the same functionality became available to all Google users with a smartphone. Both Android and iPhone are suitable: you only need a data connection (mobile Internet or Wi-Fi) and the latest version of Google Play. The smartphone must have a lock screen protected by a password, pattern or fingerprint and be at hand. For devices from Cupertino, you need the Google Search app instead.

After enabling two-factor authentication in the Google security settings, the user will receive a notification that there was an attempt to log into the Google account. If you answer “No”, access will be denied. Accordingly, when you click "Yes", you will be logged into your account. In general, you no longer need to open Google Authenticator or enter a verification code, as it was before.

This two-step method of logging into your account is almost identical to the Google Smart Lock feature on Chrome OS. It allows you to unlock your Chromebook when the associated smartphone is nearby (within range of a Bluetooth connection) and unlocked. In the new version, the function works on all devices. Moreover, several smartphones can be used to access one account. If you wish, you can also use Google Authenticator or a similar third-party program.