Google has introduced a new a new functionality that will allow any phone with Android 7 or a higher version to do the functions of Security key. This way you will be able to introduce a two-step security verification method that will strengthen your account. Several methods already existed to implement this security, but this new feature will make things much easier for many users.
What is a two-step verification?
As its name indicates, it is a second verification that will be in charge of verifying your identity a second time. Once you enter your password (first verification), the system will perform a second verification using another method that is directly related to the user. In this way, if you activate two-step verification (something that you should have activated in all services that allow it), you will prevent someone from being able to enter your account if they knew your password.
What types of two-step verification are currently offered for Google accounts?
As of today, the two-step security options in a Google account go through the following methods:
- Voice or text message: If you choose this option, Google will send you a text message and call you by phone to send you a code that you must enter.
- Authenticator App: This application can only be installed on a mobile phone that has registered your Google account. When it starts, it will launch a random numerical code that will be the one that you have to enter in the login that you are trying to carry out.
- Security codes: This is a table with a total of 10 unique numerical codes that can be used individually only once. The moment you use one, this code will expire forever. You can generate them through the management panel of your Google account.
- Google message: This is a more comfortable method than the text message, since it is a notification that will arrive on your mobile and in which you will have to click "YES" to confirm the login. It avoids the use of numbers and allows access from anywhere quickly.
- Security key: It is the method that we are going to explain in this tutorial. This is similar to the Google Message method, except that it requires a Bluetooth connection to the computer from which the login is being attempted. This forces the phone and the computer to be close to each other. An Android phone (as explained below) or a separately purchased Bluetooth security dongle can be used.
How to set an Android phone as a security key in your Google account
To make your Android phone into a digital key, you just have to complete the steps below:
Confirm that you have an Android phone running at least version 7.0. At this point it is difficult to have a phone with an older operating system (it is not highly recommended in terms of security), but it does not hurt to make sure.
Visit the security web of your Google account from your phone by clicking on the following link:
Access the security section of your Google accountSelect option Two step verification:
Click on add security key:
A device list where you are logged in with your Google account. You will have to choose the device you normally use, since it will be the one that will give access to your account.
A message will confirm that your phone has been configured as security key. Now you just have to make sure you have Bluetooth on whenever you enter two-step verification mode.
How does the security key work?
From now on, you will only have to sign in with your Google account as you did before (although You must use Chrome for it to work.). Enter your password, and a window will indicate that you must complete the two-step verification process. If the digital key method is selected as default (it is configured like this if you have it activated), a window will indicate that you must check the phone to continue with the procedure:
It will be then when you have to check your phone, since a message will be asking you if you are the one who is logging in.
Since this communication is done via Bluetooth, your phone must have an active Bluetooth connection, although it is not necessary that you have established a link with the computer. Just having Bluetooth turned on on both devices will suffice.
After clicking on "Yes", a new message will indicate that a connection is being made with your device to confirm the data.
Done, your session will have started safely.