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Google begins to enable two-factor authentication across all accounts
Two-factor authentication uses your password and another proof of identity -- which in this case is an app called Google Authenticator, which runs on your smartphone. Every time you log in, you need to run the app and input the code it generates. The code is only good for a few seconds, which makes it very secure indeed.
Of course, if you lose your phone things can be a little tricky. Don't worry, though: the setup wizard lets you add a backup phone to your account, and generates some backup codes that you can use in a pinch.
Really, if you store any kind of sensitive data on your Google account (even your search history!), you should use two-factor authentication. It makes hacking your account almost impossible -- and in a world where your login credentials are synonymous with your real identity, that can only be a good thing.
Comments
6
Subscribe to commentsmindbuumpFeb 10th 2011 12:39PM
They'll still read your emails, security phail
SilverWaveFeb 10th 2011 5:02PM
Wow this is big!
michelFeb 10th 2011 9:05PM
yeah, that's great if you've got a smartphone. Can you still log in without one?
SimsHsiaFeb 11th 2011 7:26PM
@michel Yeah, you can opt to have a voice message or a text message and have it call/delivered to your landline phone or a basic cellphone. If you have an iPad, iPod Touch, Android tablet, etc there's a app you can install to get the code as well. More details here: http://www.google.com/support/accounts/bin/static.py?page=guide.cs&guide=1056283&topic=1056285
This whole thing is opt-in, so turn it off/on whenever.
saltrixFeb 12th 2011 1:06PM
My only concern would be if my cell battery dies. What then? That's really the only time I need to log into Google on a new browser anyway....
Holly LaRoccoMar 1st 2011 11:58AM
I think this is great. I work for Symantec, and of course we like any measure that makes the internet safer! Too many web users are making cyber criminals' job way too easy, but with these kinds of capability popping up thanks to Google and others, such as PayPal and Facebook, each user can take an active stance and protect themselves.