Google’s new 2-Step Verification (2SV) method which turns Android phones into physical security keys can now be used by those who own iOS devices. The 2SV method enables Android phones to be used as physical keys to log into Google accounts.
Google says that this method provides the “strongest protection” against automated bots, bulk phishing, and targeted attacks.
“This technology can be used to verify your sign-in to Google and Google Cloud services on Bluetooth-enabled Chrome OS, macOS, and Windows 10 devices. Starting today, you can use your Android phone to verify your sign-in on Apple iPads and iPhones as well,” Executives Kaiyu Yan and Christiaan Brand, said.
Google says that the security key are in accordance with the standards laid by FIDO, an open industry association that develops and promotes authentication standards to help reduce the over-reliance on passwords.
How to set it up?
Users should first add the security key to their Google Accounts. For that, users are required to enrol for 2-Step Verification (2SV). Once done, users are needed to visit the 2SV settings and click ‘Add security key’. Choose the Android phone from the list of available devices and the first step is done.
Now, the selected Android phone’s built-in security key can be used to verify the sign-in on an iOS device.
For that, the Bluetooth on both the devices — the Android phone chosen to work as security key and iOS phone on which security key is to be used as a verification tool — should be turned On.
Users will be required to sign in to their Google Account (on iPhone or iPad with iOS version 10.0 or up) with username and password using the Google Smart Lock app.
After this setup, users will need to check their Android phone for a notification, and follow the instructions to confirm sign in.
