Google will force users to use the 2-step verification (2SV) feature from November 9. The company announced the plan to auto-enable this security step for millions of users last month. The company claims that 2SV is one of the most reliable ways to prevent unauthorised access to accounts and networks.
“By the end of 2021, we plan to auto-enroll an additional 150 million Google users in 2SV and require 2 million YouTube creators to turn it on.” said the company in a blog post last month.
If you have not already enabled the 2-step verification process on your account, You will receive an email or notification about 7 days before the company auto-enables the security feature for you. Currently, you can turn off 2SV after it is turned on automatically, but signing in with just a password makes your account much less secure.
What is 2-step verification
With 2-Step Verification (also known as two-factor authentication), you add an extra layer of security to your account in case your password is stolen. After you set up 2SV, you’ll sign in to your account in two steps using your password and your phone. Once you enter your password as usual, you’ll also need to enter a code that will be sent to your phone via text, voice call or mobile app.
How to turn on 2-step verification
To turn on 2SV you have to open your Google account > in the navigation panel, select Security > under ‘Signing in to Google,’ select 2-Step Verification and then Get started. After that follow the instructions that appear on the screen.
Apart from this, the company is also rolling out a feature in the Google app that allows you to access all of the passwords you’ve saved in Google Password Manager right from the Google app menu.
