Technology has been a blessing for most by helping to increase productivity, amplify communication and simplify everyday tasks. However technology also presents certain challenges and is not always used in a positive way. Security is a major focus for most companies and has remained a necessity since the security dangers are more present than ever. As of late companies around the world have been experiencing a high frequency of security intrusions, most notably are the recent Sony Attacks.
from http://www.Google.com, June 2011
In the past couple of months three entirely separate Sony Services have been hacked, Sony Pictures, Sony Ericsson, and Sony PSN. As damaging as these security mishaps may be they are also engaging companies to strengthen their core security and continually brace themselves against individuals or groups who use technology as a negative force. There will always be someone in the world trying to take advantage or discover shortcuts to get what they want. Even as security tightens there will be loopholes to find and ways to overcome security hurdles. Common security problems that persist despite security efforts are identity theft, fraud, account hijacking, spamming, and malicious data corruption.
In a recent Google Blog Post, Google detailed some of their latest security features. To prevent or at least attempt to prevent accounts from being hijacked they are introducing their new Two-Step-Verification process. Google began offering this new feature on June 1, 2011. Accounts are often hijacked when a user is tricked into sharing their password or other personal information with the use of malware and phishing scams. These scams aim to acquire user information in order to steal an individual’s identity, acquire financial data, or to spread spam.
Google states that they just recently uncovered a phishing scam that originated from China. This discovery provided even more reinforcement behind the new security option. As their security increases Google continues to become more efficient at identifying and eliminating fraudulent scams. In order to provide users with more protection Google suggests that all users turn on the Two-Factor-Authentication. This process requires a user to obtain a secondary password from their mobile device before being able to access their account. The process is used to confirm the identity of a user every 30 days and or every time a user accesses their account from an unrecognized device.
How Two-Factor-Authentication Works:
Two-Factor-Authentication provides another layer of account security and operates using something you know (password) with something you have (mobile device). In order to use this feature a user must have a phone available upon signing on and a backup phone number in the event that the primary is lost.
- Enter your username and password
- After the verification code is sent to your mobile device enter it into the access code prompt window.
- If you choose the “remember this verification for this computer for 30 days” option you will not be asked for a second authentication for 30 days unless you access your account from a different device.
- Press the verify button and access your account as usual.
How to Activate 2-Factor-Verification:
- Go to “Accounts Settings Page”
- Click on the using “2-Step-Verification” Link
- Enter primary phone number
- Add a backup phone number (Mobile or Landline-only used if the primary phone is disconnected or unavailable).
- Record the backup codes that are provided (each user gets 10 codes, these codes are emergency codes that can be used if you are unable to access your phone).
In addition to the 2-step process Google has also outlined several other security precautions that users can take to ensure their account safety. To view these suggestions visit the Google Blog.
To learn more about account protection visit the Google Safety Center!
Thanks for Reading have a Great Day!
Dustin
