Google Chrome for Android gets two-factor authentication

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In order to reduce the risk of Internet accounts being hacked, security experts have been earnestly advising users to specify a string of long and difficult-to-guess passwords for different services. At the same time, many service providers have launched enhanced account security solutions based on "two-factor authentication" (2FA for short). If you happen to be a Chrome for Android user, there is now an additional benefit.

Specifically, you will be able to use the Chrome for Android browser as a 2FA security key when signing into Google apps on your computer.

The current mainstream two-factor authentication solutions usually include SMS verification codes, authenticator apps, or directly connecting the physical security key to the PC.

Chrome for Android's 2FA verification solution is currently only available in the Chrome 93 Beta test version. After installation, you can try to log in to your Google account from a nearby computer.

After entering your credentials, your Android phone will receive a notification asking if you want to allow the login attempt - this means that the phone can know if two devices with the same account are in the vicinity of the user.

9to5Google explained that just by opening the multitasking menu, you can realize that this notification feature is not based on Google Play Services, but comes directly from the Chrome for Android browser.

Before using, please make sure that you are logged in to the same Google account on both devices and that the Chrome Sync service is enabled (refer to the following flag settings):

• chrome://flags/#enable-web-authentication-cable-v2-support

It is not yet known when the Chrome 2FA feature will be enabled for all Android users.

If Google is willing, any subsequent device running the Chrome 93 mobile browser (even Apple iPhone smartphones) may receive a similar 2FA verification notification.