Google recently announced some updates for its Google Authenticator app, which will get the ability to create backups of one-time codes and passwords to users’ Google accounts, which are necessary for two-factor authentication (2FA). This new development will be available for users of Google Authenticator on both Android and iOS devices.
According to Google, this change was brought about by addressing user feedback regarding lost or stolen devices that had the Authenticator app installed on them. This proved to be an issue for some users as one-time codes in the app were saved to a single device, meaning that losing access to said device also led to users losing the ability to sign in to particular services or apps which had 2FA measures in place. According to Google’s official webpage:
“With this update we’re rolling out a solution to this problem, making one time codes more durable by storing them safely in users’ Google Account. This change means users are better protected from lockout and that services can rely on users retaining access, increasing both convenience and security.”
“In addition to one-time codes from Authenticator, Google has long been driving multiple options for secure authentication across the web. Google Password Manager securely saves your passwords and helps you sign in faster with Android and Chrome, while Sign in with Google allows users to sign in to a site or app using their Google Account. We’ve also been working with our industry partners and the FIDO Alliance to bring even more convenient and secure authentication offerings to users in the form of passkeys.”
Google Authenticator was first launched back in 2010, and is described by Google as “a free and easy way” so websites can add ‘something you have’ two-factor authentication for added user security when signing in to software and services. Users can try out the new updates to the Authenticator app by updating the app via the Google Play Store, and follow the on-screen instructions.
In other Google news, the company has scheduled its annual developer conference – Google IO – for May 10, 2023. In addition to updates and developments on its many software products, it’s expected that Google will finally show off the much-leaked Pixel 7a, as well as the upcoming Pixel Foldable and Pixel Tablet.
With regards to the upcoming Google midranger, the line separating the 7a and the regular 7 will only be blurred further, if other hardware speculations prove true – it’s expected that the 7a will come with the Google Tensor G2 chip, and a 64MP Sony sensor, which outshines the 50MP sensor on the 7. There’s also a possibility that it will come with 5W wireless charging, a first for a Pixel A-series device.
