The Internet is expanding at an unprecedented rate in our time and age. While this expansion has a number of benefits, it also calls to attention the several instances of hacking and data threats that people face. This especially puts the high-risk Google Account in an enormous threat.
This has, however, called for a big conservation measure when it comes to protecting online accounts. Journalists, activists, politicians, and other officials’ accounts seem to be the most exposed to cyber threats. Google has come up with a new trick for securing these Google Accounts using mobile phones only. In this blog,
Increased Demands for High Security
Therefore, in the present and rapidly advancing age of the World Wide Web, the Internet is both a gift and a curse. As observed, the cyber threats present have become more advanced, and skills have been used to penetrate accounts. It is in such a category of the population; therefore, the issue of security becomes critical.
Why Is A High-Risk Google Account A Target
Personal Information Theft
A high-risk Google Account usually holds details such as an individual’s first and last name, home address, phone number, or email address, which is very sensitive information and can easily be used to fulfil various nasty things.
Reputation Damage
Celebrities always have the feeling that they can be humiliated by leaked information or even by someone they authorise.
Financial Gain
They may steal financial information or threaten to publish personal data, extorting money from the targets.
Google Account’s New Security Feature
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Google has especially been prominent in this by providing additional security options such as two-factor authentication (2FA) and other measures such as Google’s Advanced Protection Program. The newest version enables clients to safeguard their accounts by employing their phones as physical security tokens.
How It Works
The phone as a security key is an aspect that relies on the existing security features in smartphones. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how it works.
Register Your Phone
This is when security questions and PINs may be asked; link your phone to a Google Account as a security feature.
Login Attempt
When you try to sign in to your Google Account, you will receive a notification on your phone.
Verification
The next step is to lend your approval to the login attempt indicated on the phone, and you do this by following the directions indicated on your phone’s screen.
Completion
Once authenticated, you will be able to proceed with using the Google Account.
Compared to the usual username or password authentication, this is fairly safe since the hacker would have to get your phone in order to impersonate you.
Setting Up On Phone
As one of the measures to enhance the security of the device and the accounts connected to it, you can set up your phone as a security key.
Securing your phone as a key is easy to do, and can be easily followed by anyone. Follow these steps to enhance your Google Account security:
For Android users
Ensure Compatibility
Make certain your phone is on Android or the newer versions.
Activate Bluetooth
Ensure that Bluetooth is on for the gadget, both for the phone and the logging-in device.
Register your phone
Type Google Account security and proceed to the next page.
Go to the option “2-Step Verification” and then “Add security key.”
For iPhone users
Install the Smart Lock App
To begin with, go down to the App Store and download the Google Smart Lock application.
Register your phone
The first step to unlock Smart Lock is to open the app, and then you will be required to sign in to your Google account.
To set your phone as the security key, begin following the messages step by step.
Advantages of Turning the Phone into a Security Key
Using your phone as a security key offers several advantages over traditional methods. Some of the advantages of using the Google Account as a security key to your phone are listed below:
User-Friendly
As far as the organisation of the site is concerned, one can note that the procedure of setting up the site is quite easy, and the procedure of signing in is rather obvious.
Reduced Risk of Phishing
The attackers are unable to get into the phone since they do not possess the actual phone, which again helps in preventing phishing.
Addressing common concerns
Then, there are slight concerns that come with using the phone-as-a-security-key feature, which is essentially well-protected. One of the most common questions that plague individuals is what would happen if they lost their phone.
As people are using their phones to create the key and ensure the safety of their Google Account, they are scared that if they lose their phone, they will also lose all the important data stored on their phone. But, there are a few measures that one can take to ensure the safety of their account. Some of these measures are listed below:
Backup Security Keys
It is suggested to have several security keys, for instance, the second phone, the physical key, etc.
Account Recovery
Use Google’s facilities, such as backup codes and recovery email addresses.
Conclusion
Since cyber risks are now persistent and are constantly developing, protecting high-risk Google Account should be the goal. Google’s phone-as-a-security key is secure, efficient, and easy to use when wanting to secure an account. Finally, the last feature takes advantage of the security features of modern smartphones, thus permitting access to the account only for you if your password is stolen by someone else.
Setting up one is easy, and it boasts various advantages over conventional procedures. Along with other security measures, this feature allows you to increase the security of your account many times over, ensuring your peace in the online environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are passkeys?
In order to keep your Google Account safe, Google has launched the feature of passkeys, which is a password-less login method and helps to keep your account safe.
Can a Google Account be secured from all kinds of phones?
Yes, you can secure a Google Account from any kind of phone.
Also Read:
Passkey: Access Gmail and YouTube without a Password, the Report
Navigating the Intricacies of Modern Cybersecurity: A Closer Look at Identity and Access Protocols
