Google on Wednesday announced that it is making access keys available for high-risk users to enroll in its Advanced Protection Program (THE PROGRAM).
“Users have traditionally needed a physical security key for their APP — now they can choose a passkey to protect their account,” Shuvo Chatterjee, Product Manager, APP said.
Access keys are considered a a more secure and phishing-resistant alternative to passwords. Based on the FIDO authentication standard, this technology is designed to protect online accounts from potential hijacking attacks by ditching passwords in favor of biometrics or a PIN.
Access keys can act as both a first and second factor at the same time, completely eliminating the need to enter a password. Earlier in May of this year, the technology giant revealed that access keys are used by more than 400 million Google accounts.
High risk userswho are at increased risk of cyberattacks because of who they are and what they do (such as journalists, elected officials, political campaign workers, human rights activists, and business leaders) can check that they have a compatible device and browser and complete the registration process .
“We also require you to add recovery options during registration (such as a phone number and email, or another access key or security key), the combination of which will help you regain access to your account if you’re locked out,” Chatterjee said.
Google also said it was working with Internews to provide journalists and human rights activists with security support. The program covers 10 countries, including Brazil, Mexico and Poland.
The development comes as Google says it intends to expand reports on the dark web to any user with a Google Account starting later this month to check if their information has been leaked to the dark web. This feature was previously limited to Google One subscribers.
“The Dark Web report will be available to all users with a consumer Google account.” noted in the supporting document. “The Dark Web Report is integrated with The results are about you as an all-in-one solution to help users protect their online presence.”
