When you choose to set up face or touch unlock, you’ll start by setting up a face- or fingerprint-based credential. This allows you to authenticate without using a one-time code. You may need to enable cloud sync on your device if you want to use face or touch unlock to sign in to across multiple devices.įace or touch unlock lets you sign in by using a scan of your face or fingerprint, entering your PIN or pattern, or scanning a QR code. How to add images of your driver’s license or state ID card Another option is to register a second security key from the outset and keep it in a safe place.Change the email address associated with your accountĬhange the phone number associated with your account Anyone who loses their security key can remove the lost token from their account and add a new one. But these are not insurmountable problems, and it’s certainly worth the risk when one considers how much additional security they offer. And USB and Bluetooth dongles can get lost. Those using text codes must have their cell phone handy when logging in from a new device. Of course, two-factor authentication also has its disadvantages. Several companies in addition to Google already support these security tokens. While an online account can theoretically be hacked from anywhere in the world, a physical security token has to actually be in the hands of the thieves (who would also need their victims’ log-in details to access the account). They have proven very successful – since the introduction of security keys, the data theft risk has decreased significantly. Security tokens based on the U2F standard are available from various manufacturers for a small fee. Google is part of that consortium alongside companies like Microsoft, Mastercard, and PayPal. The process is based on an open authentication standard called Universal 2nd Factor (U2F), developed by the FIDO consortium. This is a USB, NFC, or Bluetooth dongle that has to be connected to the device in question. If a user tries to log in from a device that’s not on the list, he or she will receive a security warning from Google.įor the past three years, Google has also offered its users the option of using a physical security token, called a security key. Users can also provide a list of trusted devices within their Google Account. Alongside the traditional password, users can enter a one-time security code that they receive via text or voice call or that they generate on the Google Authenticator app, which runs on Android and on Apple’s mobile operating system iOS. Google offers various kinds of two-factor authentication. All two-factor authentication strategies employ a combination of two of these different factors. The third is biometric data (“something you are”), like when smartphone users unlock their screen with their fingerprint. The second is a physical object (“something you have”) that can be used for authentication, such as a credit card. The first is a piece of information (“something you know”): for example, a user receives a code via text and enters this, or has to answer a security question. Security experts distinguish between three basic types of security factors. This authentication method has become very common, particularly for banks and credit card companies. That’s why companies like Google recommend that users secure their online account through two-factor authentication, which involves presenting two separate factors in order to log in – such as a password plus a code sent via text. Another constant threat is posed by phishing – fraudulent attempts to obtain passwords and other information via seemingly trustworthy emails or websites. Because many people use their passwords for several things, their login data for their Google Accounts can also be found in these “password dumps” even if their accounts have not actually been hacked. These “password dumps,” as experts call the lists, are assembled from data taken in numerous successful instances of data theft. ![]() ![]() People are unaware of the existence of online lists containing millions of username and password combinations. One reason data theft occurs again and again is that most users rely too much on their passwords to protect them in the online world. Often, people don’t notice that their accounts have been hacked until the damage is already done. ![]() Other people have experienced money disappearing from their online back accounts. There have been cases where unknown attackers have used victims’ accounts to troll in the user’s name on social media or send fraudulent emails. A successful data hack can have unpleasant consequences.
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