Google last week released its new Backup and Sync for Mac and Windows PCs, but it seems the ideas don't stop there. Google announced that it wants to simplify and strengthen the two-factor authentication process for its users' accounts.
Starting this week, Google will send invitations to users using the SMS (Short Message Service) two-factor authentication method to try a new, simplified, and more secure Google prompt the next time they sign in to their accounts.
Instead of receiving SMS messages, users will be able to receive a direct Google prompt on their screen, from the app, which they can use by default or revert to the familiar SMS.
“This is because SMS text message verifications and one-time codes are more susceptible to phishing attempts by attackers,” Google said.
“With account authentication instead of SMS, administrators can be confident that their mobile policies will be enforced on the device and authentication will be done over an encrypted connection.”.
Google says it will send invitations only to users who use SMS for two-factor verification, likely in the coming days.
Both Android and iOS will be supported, although iOS users will need to install the Google Search app from the App Store to receive Google login prompts.
Those who chose to sign in to their Google accounts with security keys will not see the change.
The new feature will be available to all users soon, as well as across all G Suite editions. Google has been overhauling its two-factor authentication process since February 2017, when it enabled encrypted connections by default for all real-time logins.
