Quote:Google has released a new feature that allows Android smartphones to double as a security key in order to further enhance user account protection.
 
Two-step verification has been around for a long time, but given hackers have already managed to break it on several occasions, Google is looking into more advanced security solutions to guard user accounts.
 
The toughest at this point are considered the traditional security keys, and with today’s announcement, Google allows Android phones to play the role of such a device.
 
“Your phone can be your security key—it’s built into devices running Android 7.0+. This makes it easier and more convenient for you to unlock this powerful protection, without having to carry around additional security keys,” Google says.

With this option, users can enable their Android phones to be used as security keys for both personal Google accounts and Google Cloud Accounts at work. All they need is an Android phone running version 7 or newer, a Bluetooth-enable device powered by Chrome OS, macOS, or Windows 10, and Google Chrome browser.