The additional security measure known as two-step verification authentication (2SV) calls for two safe methods to confirm your identity before launching an application. Because it takes two steps to confirm a person’s identity, it is comparable to two-factor authentication (2FA). For instance, you may be prompted to enter a code that you received via text message on your phone after logging into an app using your password. By requiring both steps, you lower the chance that someone who isn’t allowed could use your phone to access your accounts.

Approximately 30% of Google Cloud users only need their password to access their accounts. Google will immediately remind customers of the advantages of utilizing two-step verification since it wants to see this number decline. Enhanced security and peace of mind are among these advantages. However, those cordial reminders will soon be followed by announcements of a required obligation that will occur in the early months of the following year.

All Google Cloud users, both new and current, who use a password to log in will have to complete an additional verification step starting in 2025. Mayank Upadhyay, the vice president of engineering for Google Cloud, said only yesterday that 2SV will be required for all Google Cloud users to log in. In 2025, this will be implemented gradually. According to Upadhyay, he has personally witnessed how 2SV enhances security while still contributing to a seamless and practical online experience.

The vice president of Google Cloud engineering added that Google will notify users in advance of the transition so they are prepared to adopt 2SV when the use of the extra security layer becomes required. To restate, Google is gradually implementing 2SV for both new and current Google Cloud users. Phase one begins right away, and 2SV is being promoted to users who log in with a password.

All new and current Google Cloud users who log in with a password will have to adopt 2SV when the second phase starts in early 2025. Before the end of 2025, the third and final phase will begin, requiring users who sign in to Google Cloud using federated authentication to adopt 2SV. Users can use a single set of credentials to access several applications thanks to federated authentication.

According to Google, customers will have a variety of ways to satisfy the criterion. Before utilizing Google Cloud, they can activate 2SV through their primary identity provider, or they can utilize their Google account to use 2SV to add an extra degree of protection. Google believes it’s time to switch to a more secure login, like 2SV, to access Google Cloud since phishing and stolen credentials are being used to attack and access device owners’ accounts.

To activate 2SV, visit security.google.com. Click on “How you sign in to Google,” and then pick 2-Step Verification. Choose “Turn on 2-Step Verification.” That’s it!