Google will better protect its users from hackers. The tech giant will soon set up two-factor authentication by default for accounts that have been properly configured for this purpose, the company reports in a blog on Thursday.
Two-factor authentication adds an additional layer of security to online accounts. Often a text message is sent to a user’s phone, containing a unique code that needs to be entered. Because the account owner’s phone is required to log in, it makes it more difficult for hackers – and easier for Google to spy on you.
Also, Google users with 2FA enabled must prove that they own the account in a second way after logging in. At the moment, users need to enable this setting themselves.
Google wants to change that now. The company wants to enable the setting automatically on accounts that are “properly configured”. These are probably users who have already added a phone number but have not yet enabled the feature.
“By using a mobile device when logging in, people get a safer experience than just a password,” says Google’s login manager and product manager Mark Risher. It is still unclear when the change will take effect.
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