Google will enable two-step verification on accounts automatically


Having a strong password to secure your account on the internet is crucial. A dynamic alphanumeric combo including special characters is the way to go but one can further enhance their account security by enabling two-factor authentication. With this in mind, Google has announced that it will shortly begin enabling two-step verification (2SV) for user accounts automatically.

Commemorating World Password Day:

The tech giant has shared the plan to commemorate this year’s World Password Day (May 6). Google shared the idea of making an account safe and creating a simpler future where you won’t need a password at all in a blog post.

Passwords, according to Google, are the single greatest threat to your online security because they are easy to steal, difficult to recall, and time-consuming to manage. They also stated that using complex passwords encourages people to use the same password across several accounts.

According to statistics, 66% of Americans use the same login credentials on many accounts making all of those insecure if any one of them is compromised. This is why people nowadays have started to use a password manager to create and store them securely.

Furthermore, most of us are already using the password manager tool in Chrome, Android, and iOS devices which use the latest security technology to protect our passwords across all the sites and apps. Google password manager is also integrated into the company’s single-click Security Checkup; which informs you if any of your passwords have been compromised.

Two-step verification

I believe we can all agree that using two-step authentication is the best way to keep an account safe. It adds an extra layer of security to your account, ensuring that you are the one attempting to access it.

google two-factor verification promptImage: Google’s Safety and Security Blog

When people have enrolled for 2SV, it asks for a simple tap with a Google prompt on their phone whenever they sign in. Google says if users’ accounts are properly configured, it would automatically begin enrolling 2SV in such accounts.

But, if you’re wondering what “appropriately configured” entails, let me elaborate. It means that you should have already submitted recovery information for your accounts such as a secondary email address or phone number. Almost all of us have this information filled in, which means the 2SV will be enabled in your account soon.

Google added that they are building advanced security technologies into devices to make this multi-factor authentication experience seamless and even more secure than a password. For the time being, the company has integrated security keys directly into Android devices and published the Google smart app for iOS. As a result, users will be able to use their phones as a secondary method of authentication.

Verdict

Google has just begun the initiative to roll out two-step verification automatically to all accounts. But, we suggest that you should enable 2SV on your own if you haven’t already. And, if you use the same password on many sites, change it right away. Alternatively, we consider using password manager tools, or you can use our guide to test the strength of your password.

  • Meanwhile, check out our long-term review of the OnePlus 9 Pro.

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Rabins Sharma Lamichhane

Rabins Sharma Lamichhane is senior ICT professional who talks about #it, #cloud, #servers, #software, and #innovation. Rabins is also the first initiator of Digital Nepal. Facebook: rabinsxp Instagram: rabinsxp

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