Even the strongest passwords can be cracked, which is why Google is urging users to use two-factor authentication. A new USB drive makes it easier for users to protect their data.
The company said Tuesday it supports USB drives based on increasingly popular software that makes two-factor authentication less complicated.
By using two-factor authentication, users combine something they know – like a password or personal identification number – with something they have – like a phone number or fingerprints. The combination makes it harder for hackers to gain access to websites, even if they manage to guess users’ passwords.
Until now, anyone using Google had to enter a six-digit verification code sent to their phone before they could sign in from a new device. Using a security key with a USB drive, you no longer have to type in those codes.
Specialized USB drives for generating security keys are available from Amazon and start at $17.99.
