Google is a strong advocate of two-factor authentication (2FA) systems, also known as two-step verification, so it has not only been encouraging the activation of this process in user accounts, but it has also been launching different options over time, to which one more will soon be added, and with which Google hopes it can have an easy adoption by any user by eliminating the possible technical complexities.
This is the use of the Chrome browser for Android devices as yet another 2FA option. The idea is that when starting the login process on a desktop device, a notification will appear in Chrome for Android from the nearest available device, asking the user if they are trying to log in, with the option to say “Yes” or “No, it’s not me”.
Once “Yes” is indicated, Chrome for Android will take the user to a page indicating that it is connecting to the device.
At this point, it should be noted that Google uses the proximity of the device and caBLE technology (Bluetooth low energy applied to the cloud) to carry out the security process.
It should be noted that this possibility is available in the current beta version of Android, being necessary to previously activate its corresponding flag:
- chrome://flags/# enable-web-authentication-cable-v2-support
In addition, it will also be necessary to log in to the same Google account as the one available on the mobile device and have Chrome Sync enabled for this option to work, being able to be used in conjunction with any desktop system, including Chrome OS.
As we say, Google wants with this a greater ease of use with respect to the use of the mobile itself or the use of physical security keys. With this, they increase the options for the user according to their needs and technical knowledge.
It is already a matter of the current beta of Chrome for Android reaching the stable phase, arriving with the option as 2FA enabled by default, so that users can protect their accounts more easily every time they go to log on to their desktop computers.
There is no doubt that over time we will see more initiatives from the company to bring two-step verification to all users, regardless of their technical knowledge.
