Google is always trying to improve its apps, but it rarely makes major changes to security features to avoid confusing users. One of Google’s most popular apps, Gmail, is going to change a crucial security feature in the coming months.
In an interview with Forbes, Google confirmed plans to switch from SMS authentication to QR code. Gmail spokesperson Ross Richendrfer said that the company wants to “move away from sending SMS messages from authentication.”
Google wants to replace SMS authentication with QR codes to “reduce the impact of rampant, global SMS abuse,” among other things. The search giant believes that the current authentication method that uses SMS is no longer the safest way to make sure that your Gmail account isn’t hacked.
These days, it’s too easy to trick a carrier into getting hold of someone’s phone number, Google points out, which means that SMS authentication no longer makes sense for Gmail.
According to Google, the change to how Gmail users authenticate will be gradually introduced in the company months. The Mountain View company says that it will work on developing a much safer way to verify phone numbers: “specifically, instead of entering your number and receiving a 6-digit code, you’ll see a QR code being displayed, which you need to scan with the camera app on your phone.”
Gmail won't be getting QR code authentication in the next few months | Image credit: PhoneArena
QR code authentication has a few important benefits over SMS authentication, including reduced phishing risk of Gmail users being tricked into sharing security codes. It also removes the reliance of Google users on their phone carrier for anti-abuse protection.
Google has revealed a release date for the security change, but it did say that we should expect QR code authentication to arrive “in the near future.” Although many Gmail users might be reluctant to big changes such as this, something that significantly improves security should always be seen as a great benefit.
Although QR code authentication won’t be coming for a few months, it’s nice to know that Google is doing something to reduce the risk of losing your Gmail account to bad actors.
Create a free account and join our vibrant community
Register to enjoy the full PhoneArena experience. Here’s what you get with your PhoneArena account:
Cosmin, a tech journalist with a career spanning over a decade, brings a wealth of experience to PhoneArena. His expertise lies in brands like Samsung and Nokia, and he has a keen interest in innovative technologies. After a brief stint in PR, Cosmin returned to tech journalism in 2016, committed to delivering clear and objective news. When he's not writing or appearing as a guest on TV and radio shows, Cosmin enjoys playing RPGs, watching Netflix, and nurturing his passion for history and travel.
Recommended Stories
Loading Comments...
COMMENT
All comments need to comply with our
Community Guidelines
Phonearena comments rules
A discussion is a place, where people can voice their opinion, no matter if it
is positive, neutral or negative. However, when posting, one must stay true to the topic, and not just share some
random thoughts, which are not directly related to the matter.
Things that are NOT allowed:
Off-topic talk - you must stick to the subject of discussion
Offensive, hate speech - if you want to say something, say it politely
Spam/Advertisements - these posts are deleted
Multiple accounts - one person can have only one account
Impersonations and offensive nicknames - these accounts get banned
Moderation is done by humans. We try to be as objective as possible and moderate with zero bias. If you think a
post should be moderated - please, report it.
Have a question about the rules or why you have been moderated/limited/banned? Please,
contact us.
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless
Things that are NOT allowed: