Google will sell hardware keys to improve account security

by Hilbert Hagedoorn on: 07/27/2018 07:50 AM | source: nu.nl | 23 comment(s)

Google has demonstrated a new login method, where a user has to connect a special device, hardware key, to enter an account on your PC or laptop. The so-called Titan Security Key will first be offered to business users of Google's cloud services.

The device would be made available to everyone via the Google web store. The hardware key is to improve the security of an account. A user can only log in if the device is nearby. Google has been offering other security methods for a while, including two-step verification with a mobile app or text messages. The search giant will offer two versions of the Titan Security Key. One connects via USB to a computer, while a second model uses bluetooth to connect wirelessly to a smartphone.

Google has already offered users the opportunity to log in with a hardware key created by another manufacturer. However, the company did not have a device of its own until now. The gadgets contain special firmware, which checks with Google whether a login attempt is legitimate. The hardware keys use the FIDO standard, they also work on other websites.

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cryohellinc
Senior Member

Posts: 3512
Joined: 2014-10-20

#5568688 Posted on: 07/27/2018 08:16 AM

Sounds interesting, depending on a price might get one.

One question - can you use it with multiple accounts?

sverek
Senior Member

Posts: 6073
Joined: 2011-01-02

#5568703 Posted on: 07/27/2018 09:28 AM

sounds fun... until you lose it.

wavetrex
Senior Member

Posts: 1581
Joined: 2008-07-16

#5568739 Posted on: 07/27/2018 11:53 AM

I'll take one !

Google may or may not be that evil company who wants to control everything, but it just happens that my Gmail is very important for me.
Already using 2FA with my phone, but a tiny inconspicuous device that is much less likely to be stolen than a phone.

As for losing it... just add it to the house keys which only a complete moron would lose.

deusex
Senior Member

Posts: 673
Joined: 2003-11-19

#5568765 Posted on: 07/27/2018 01:23 PM

Not a good idea, unless you can have two just in case you loose one.

sluflyer06
Junior Member

Posts: 14
Joined: 2010-12-21

#5568795 Posted on: 07/27/2018 02:57 PM

Sounds interesting, depending on a price might get one.

One question - can you use it with multiple accounts?
Yes, there is no meaningful limitation in how many google or other accounts a single device can handle.
sounds fun... until you lose it.
There is a backup key, something like a seed word combo that you keep offline, they also flat out recommend you use 2 devices...
Not a good idea, unless you can have two just in case you loose one.
You can and keep in mind hardware tokens for account access has been around for many years now in the corporate world, my company requires all suppliers to buy a key similar to this to login to their supplier portals.

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