IT and Security: Google introduces two-step verification

Google is introducing a new two-step verification system called to improve security and prevent illegal access to accounts.

A two-step verification system will be made available to Google Apps customers in no time and it is also announced to take up to 15 minutes to go through the setup process.

The process requires two independent factors to authenticate user’s identity. Thus, to log into Google account users will need the usual username and password, but then in order to move forward they’ll also need a second code. This second code can be received via mobile device (for example, smartphone). This code can be sent as an SMS or voice message to the phone, or via an authentication app (available for BlackBerry, iPhone or Android).

The two-step verification system has an option to have a computer remember this second verification step for 30 days, so users won’t need to re-enter that code within a month.