Google is now giving IT admins an extra security tool to help alleviate the problem of unauthorized access to cloud-based Goolge Apps accounts. The new two-step security verification system will ask users to enter their normal password, followed by a verification code that is then sent to the account holder’s mobile device.
According to a blog post by Eran Feigenbaum, director of security for Goolge Apps, the verification code will be sent to the user’s mobile device via SMS text, voice, or generated on an app that can be downloaded to Andorid, BlackBerry, or iPhone devices.
“This makes it much more likely that you’re the only one accessing your data”, said Feigenbaum in the official Google Enterprise blog. “Even if someone has stolen your password, they’ll need more than that to access your account”.
Google said the opt-in two-step verification is now available for Google Apps Premier, Education, and Government Editions customers, and the company expects to extend the service to non-enterprise users in the coming months.