Google simplifies two-factor authentication process – ITdaily.

It is no longer necessary to enter your phone number to activate two-factor authentication. Google adds two new step methods: via an authenticator app or with a hardware security key.

Google is simplifying the process for setting up two-factor authentication (2FA). Users can now add a second step method to their account: an authenticator app or a hardware security key. Until now, users had to use the less secure SMS authentication to enable 2FA. The changes are rolling out to all Workspace users and users with a personal Google Account.

Two ways

Users had to set up their 2FA based on SMS verification. Since this is a less secure method, Google is expanding the options to enable 2FA. Google describes two ways users can add an extra step method to their account. The first method is through an authenticator app such as Microsoft Authenticator, which uses a time-based passcode that must be entered into the app.

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A second method is through a hardware security key which can be associated in two ways: by associating the security key with a FIDO1 credential on the hardware key or by assigning a passkey.

Google will roll out the changes to all Workspace users and people with a personal Google account.