Certain apps are able to automatically input SMS verification codes through Google's SMS Retriever API. If the app doesn't utilize the API, Android Messages is able to detect those codes and let users copy them right from the SMS notification. Now, it appears that Google is about to close the gap by having its own Autofill service pull SMS verification codes all by itself with the latest Google Play services update.
Read MoreArlo releases new Android app with two-factor authentication support
Arlo spun off from Netgear a while back, but it's been using the same Netgear-signed app the whole time. Starting today, there's a new Arlo app under a new Play Store listing. The updated app looks the same, but it adds an important feature in the form of two-factor authentication.
Read MoreGoogle Titan Security Key now available in Canada, France, Japan, and the UK
Google's two-factor authentication hardware key, the Titan Security, has been available in the US for almost a year. After disappearing from the Store for a few months and a Bluetooth flaw that required Google to send free replacements, it's now making its way to four other countries.
Read MoreOneDrive's new Personal Vault puts extra security on your sensitive documents
You can pretty much stick a file manager interface onto any app you want. But when it comes to actual personal storage apps, be it local or in the cloud, developers could always go further by installing an enhanced-security enclave — where particularly sensitive files can be stored and accessed only through further authentication. Microsoft recently decided to give OneDrive customers such an extra layer, branding it as their own "Personal Vault."
Read MoreGoogle finds flaw in Bluetooth Titan Security Keys, will provide free replacements
Google released the Titan Security Key last year, as part of the company's growing focus on two-factor authentication. The kit comes with a USB Type-A key and a battery-powered Bluetooth/NFC key, and both could be configured as 2FA methods with Google accounts. The last thing you want in your security key is a security flaw, but that's just what has been discovered.
Read MoreAndroid's built-in security key now rolling out to all Android 7.0+ devices
Last month, Google started testing a new way to use Android phones as a two-factor authentication keys. While cloud-based 2FA has been available on Android for years, the new method is hardware-based. The new feature is now rolling out to all Android 7.0+ devices worldwide.
Read MoreGoogle beta testing Android phones as a new Bluetooth-based two-step verification key
The success of two-step verification processes is prone to two factors: security and convenience. Maybe you, the average person, want to keep all your personal data online safe and sound, but buying a $50 dongle that serves no other purpose than to be a key to a very specific lock doesn't make sense for you. Google has you covered now as it is beta testing a way for your Android phone to be that key to all of your Google account information on your desktop or laptop.
Read MoreGoogle will now let G Suite admins disable SMS two-factor authentication
One of the hassles that comes with being a G Suite admin is making sure everything is secure, which can sometimes fall outside of your control. Employees are notoriously one of the weakest links in enterprise security, so it's good to have multiple two-factor authentication methods to cover for weak passwords and the like. One of the more common methods for 2FA is SMS, but due to notable failings in its security, Google is offering admins the option to completely disable it for their domains.
Read MoreThe Best Of AP
Google is testing revised two-step verification prompts on mobile
Two-factor authentication is something that everyone should have on their Google accounts, but the traditional SMS and Google Authenticator methods can be a bit tedious. Back in 2016, Google added a new two-step verification approval prompt for Android devices that is painless to both set up and use. The prompt has gone through several design revisions since its initial release, and Google is currently experimenting with two new layouts.
Read MoreUK bank falls victim to SS7 attacks, allowing cybercriminals to drain accounts and reminding us why SMS two-factor authentication sucks
By now everyone should know that two-factor authentication via SMS is outdated and insecure. But in case anyone needs a reminder, here it is: Metro Bank in the UK was recently the victim of something called SS7 attacks, which basically allow anyone with access to reroute text messages and calls as they please, as well as track the location of a compromised phone. This is far from the first time this has happened, and it seems European banks are more at risk than US banks.
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