Google starts enabling 2-step verification for users

• Google has started enabling 2-step verification for users.
• It aims to enable 2-step verification for 150 million users by the end of the year.
• Additionally, 2 million YouTube creators will also be asked to enable 2-step verification.

Earlier this year, Google had announced that it will start enabling 2-step verification (2SV) or two-factor authentication for its users to protect them from security threats.

In October, the search giant in its blog post had announced that this security feature will be auto-enabled for 150 million users by the end of the year and 2 million YouTube creators will be required to enable it.

Now, as per a report, Google has already started enabling 2-step verification for users. Users have started seeing a prompt informing that 2-step verification is being enabled on their account.

What is 2-step verification

2-step verification is a security feature that requires you to perform an additional step apart from entering your password to sign in your account. The additional step could be physical security key, a confirmation code on your smartphone or a confirmation prompt on a signed in device.

“One of the best ways to protect your account from a breached or bad password is by having a second form of verification in place – another way for your account to confirm it is really you logging in,” said Mark Risher, Google’s senior director of product management.

Google has said that two-factor authentication will only be enabled in those accounts that have been configured for it. You can check if your account has been configured through Google’s account security checkup.

2-step verification adds an additional layer of security to your account and protects your account from getting hacked. It is recommended that you enable 2-step verification on your account.

Google in its support page has said that users will be informed seven days before 2-step verification is enabled on their account. If you lose your phone that you are using for 2-step verification, you can use your recovery email to sign in.

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