The Google Titan Security Key, which promises to protect users' online accounts against phishing attacks, is now available on the Google Store for $50.
Tech companies have been creating better products and methods to protect both their customers and themselves from hackers. Physical security keys are just one of the many tried and tested options in cybersecurity, and Google is now making the technology even more accessible to the public.
Google Employees Protected From Phishing By Physical Security Keys
One of Google's appearances in the headlines last month featured its amazing claim that since early 2017, none of its over 85,000 employees have fallen victim to phishing attacks.
Phishing attacks come in various forms, but their goal is to trick users into revealing information such as passwords. Google employees, however, have been protected against them since they were required to use physical security keys.
Physical security keys are USB-based devices that enable an alternative form of two-factor authentication. The security method usually requires users to input their password and a one-time code sent through SMS. Physical security keys make the second factor even harder to acquire for hackers because they need to be inserted into a computer's USB port to access the protected account.
Shortly after proving that physical security keys work wonders, Google announced that it will soon be selling its own version. It is named the Titan Security Key, and it is now available on the Google Store.
Google Titan Security Key Now Available For $50
Google is looking to provide an even better answer on keeping online information safe with the Titan Security Key, which is now available on the Google Store.
The Google Titan Security Key follows the standards of the FIDO Alliance, which looks to support authentication technologies that provide proper protection to users against cybersecurity threats. The key has actually been in active use within Google for over eight months, but it will now be released to the public.
The $50 bundle includes two types of keys, namely one that plugs into a computer's USB port and one that connects to the user's smartphone through Bluetooth. Setting up the keys is easily done through Google's two-factor authentication page.
Whenever users log in to their Google account on their computer, the first key will need to be plugged in to the USB port, and its button will need to be pressed in addition to entering the password to gain access to the account. Meanwhile, whenever users log in on their smartphone, tapping on the button on the Bluetooth key will be required.
Of course, the downside is that users will need to be extra careful not to lose their physical security keys. They will still be able to access their accounts from computers or smartphones where they are still logged in, but they will have to wait a few days for Google to help them reset their passwords.
