On World Password Day (May 6), Google announced the decision to enable 2SV as part of a larger post about password security as a whole. The hope is that this will increase the overall security of your Google account without you needing to set anything up yourself. In order to have the feature on by default, though, you’ll need to configure your account with Google’s Security Checkup, according to 9To5Google. Online security has become a big topic in the past year, as more users have turned to the internet for work, schooling, and making purchases. A study by Google revealed that only 46% of Americans feel confident when it comes to the security of their online accounts. The company believes enabling 2SV by default will make it easier for users to feel more confident about their account security. Google already offers a number of ways to secure your account with 2SV, but the key thing to note here is that this will enable it for many users who aren’t already utilizing it. The most prominent version of the company’s security authentication system is what it calls Google Prompt. When enabled, a device that you have signed into Google will be prompted whenever you—or someone else—tries to access your Google account. Other 2SV options include special security keys built into Android phones and the Google Smart Lock app on iOS devices. When enabled, Google says these authentication options will secure your account more than a password ever could. If you aren’t looking to give up your passwords anytime soon, Google recommends at least using a password manager, like the one built directly into Google Chrome on PC, Chromebooks, Android, and iOS. The company says it uses the latest security tech to protect your information. It also lets you create stronger passwords, which can help make your logins harder to crack.
