The login process can be time-consuming because of the extra steps involved. However, Google is utilizing this approach for its customers due to the importance of security. The goal is to enable two-factor authentication for over 150 million accounts by the end of this year.
Google is going to automatically enable two-factor authentication for many users
Currently, most users can enable two-factor authentication on their own, but many of them did not choose to do so. Google will do it for them.
Google’s two-step authentication is basically about asking for an extra confirmation apart from the password when logging in. There are different methods and options, from receiving an SMS to clicking on a link received by email. But Google recommends using another logged-in device. When attempting to sign in, after correctly inputting the password, users will be asked to confirm a message that appears on another device, such as a smartphone.
Because the majority of Google users have a smartphone linked to their Google account, they are eligible customers to use two-factor authentication. Since May this security measure is something that comes by default on new Google accounts.
Why using 2FA is important?
A good password does not make an account foolproof. Neither does having two-factor authentication enabled, but it makes things a hell of a lot more difficult. Nowadays the vast majority of major Internet services have the option to enable two-factor authentication. It is particularly advisable to enable it if possible, both on Google and on all other platforms.
To facilitate the management of passwords and logins with two-factor authentication it is advisable to use password managers and authentication managers.