Most of us will have some sort of connection with Google. Whether you own an Android phone, one of their top gaming phones, one of their Pixel 6 devices or even one of their Chromebooks, you’ll have some sort of account with the tech giant.
Google has completely revolutionised the way in which we communicate but the company is also considering security, which is clearly a positive thing if you have an account with them. The latest smartphones enable you to do much more but cyber security is a real concern, especially as we do so much with our devices. We might spend vast amounts of time looking for the best mobile phone deals so why should we leave the security of our data to chance? The good news is that this is no longer the case for over 150 million Google users because it is now going to introduce Two-Factor Authentication or Two-Step Verification as it is also known. So, you might be wondering when this is coming into effect? The company is aiming for the end of this year.
What is Google 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication)?
We all have data that we have shared online with certain websites and Google is no different when it comes to the latest mobile phone deals. Once you receive your new device, regardless of whether it is a laptop or phone, you might be required to create an account with Google. From this account creation comes the sharing of data such as images, documents, payment information and even Google Play Store purchases. Essentially, more information is stored on your phone than you realise and it is from here that we have to make sure that security is put in place.
So, Two-Factor Authentication is seen to be the next step in combating cyber crime or reducing the risk at least. It is an extra layer of security that goes alongside a username or password and it can come in many different forms. This can include the likes of a Pin number, an answer to a secret question or even a biometric pattern of a fingerprint, which many of the latest Samsung, Apple and Asus smartphones offer.
How Does This Affect You and Your Device?
On the whole, everything on your device will remain the same. Furthermore, how you use your device will also remain the same but the only thing that will change is how you access your accounts.
Since 2018, Google has been encouraging its users to implement Two-Factor Authentication as a way of improving security. This was more of a voluntary thing but if you own a smart device then it makes sense to ensure that your accounts are as secure as possible. Without this in place, it’s possible to have your data accessed from anywhere or if you lose your smartphone or laptop then you will also be at risk of having data accessed, stolen or used. This is not just a change that will affect those who use an Android phone as it will impact those who use an iPhone too.
The main thing is to realise that this change is being implemented for the good of all users. Amazingly, Google is checking more than a billion passwords a day but the company also recognises that remembering a multitude of passwords has become a challenge for users. Fortunately, if you have a Google account, there is a handy password manager available and that is also available on iOS too, giving apps such as Chrome the ability to autofill logins for other apps. Additionally, Google has also announced that it will also help users to generate passwords for other apps that you might have on your smartphone or Chromebook.
Furthermore, you might want to think about those old devices that you have replaced the top gaming phones throughout the years. If you create a new account for each device then Google will also take care of that. Google is providing users with the opportunity to determine what happens to their accounts should they stop using them or are no longer able to make that decision. The Inactive Account Managers will enable users to choose a time-out figure. This means that you’ll have the chance to put a defined time in place and once that time has elapsed, the account will be deemed inactive.
At OnetechGadgets, we make sure that we provide the latest mobile phone deals, as well as cheap laptops and tablets. However, when you purchase our devices, especially those that use Google, you can now have confidence knowing that your data will be protected by Two-Factor Authentication.
