Enabling 2-Step Verification is a quick and easy way to add a truly effective layer of security to your sensitive accounts. For those who need or want even tighter security, however, Google just announced it’s introducing support for physical security devices to help you out.
Simply called Security Key, it works via a physical device that verifies the accounts you’re logging into are genuinely connected to Google and not a phishing effort by online crooks.
Instead of typing a code, you need only insert Security Key into your USB port and tap on it when asked to in Chrome. The key uses the FIDO Universal 2nd Factor (U2F) security protocol, which means that other websites that support the protocol can also access Security Key’s features within Chrome.
The service is free, but you need to purchase your own device supporting the U2F protocol in order to use it.
It’s an interesting measure by Google given the increased attention matters of online privacy have gotten in recent times, and it should be useful for those looking to go an extra step towards keeping their accounts safe.
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➤ Strengthening 2-Step Verification with Security Key [Google Online Security Blog]
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