This Is How Your iPhone Is A Cool New Way To Access Google – Forbes

Google has made a change that allows you to use your Apple iPhone to access services such as Gmail.

Your Apple iPhone can now be used as a cool and secure way to access your Google services. Thanks to a change made by Google, your Apple iPhone now works as a physical security key to authenticate you when using Gmail and other Google services, according to9to5Google.

It is the extension of asecurity featureintroduced last April that allows Android users to use their smartphones as a security key to open their Google accounts.

According to oneGoogle cryptographer, it works by utilisingthe Secure Enclaveon Apples A-Series chips. But it should be noted that the ability to use your iPhone as a security key only works in the Chrome and some other Chromium-based browsersat least for now.

Its still a pretty cool feature. As I have said before,security keys such as the Yubico YubiKey are a great extra layer of security for your accounts. Using a security keyin this case your iPhonehelps protect you from phishing attacks, where a hacker may try to persuade you to enter your details on a fake site. Its also more secure than SMS based authentication.

Google offers astep-by-step guideon its Help Center. First, ensure your iPhone is running iOS 10 or later. Youll also need to installthe Google Smart Lockapp, which has now been updated to support iPhones.

Go tomyaccount/securityusing your browser, then you will need to register your Apple iPhone as a method of two-factor authentication. You can do this by clicking Add Security Key > Select Your iPhone > Add. Then follow the on-screen instructions.

When using your Apple iPhone as a security key to sign in to new devices, make sure Bluetooth is turned on for both. Then check your iPhone for a Smart Lock notification, tap the notification and say Yes to sign in.

In addition to Chrome, the feature appears to work in some other Chromium based browsers. Security researcher Sean Wright, who tried it out using an iPhone XS onBrave, calls the feature pretty slick.

However, iPhones dont work as a security key in every Chromium based browser. The function doesnt work innewly-launched Microsoft Edgeyet, but it may be added later.

Your iPhone as a security key is a great thing, because it isnt necessary for you to buy another piece of hardware to try out this method of authentication.

It is a lot more user friendly than a verification code, says security professional John Opdenakker. However, he points out that one drawback is the fact the function isnt available in all browsers yet.

He also points out that the fairly lengthy set up involving an app might be too much of a barrier for less tech savvy users.

Indeed, says Jake Moore, cybersecurity specialist at ESET, the toughest hurdle in persuading people to try two factor authentication is making them set it up. It will only gain maximum uptake when it is handed out on a plate and easy to implement.

However, Moore encourages users to try out this new iPhone feature: Hardware security keys are an excellent way of adding an extra layer of security without delaying you when accessing your accounts.

So, should you use your iPhone as a security key? If you dont mind using Chrome or a compatible Chromium based browser, I would say yes, especially if you havent tried out security keys before. Its a great way to get started.

For more information onusing security keys, Id also strongly advise you to watch myvideo demoon how to use a YubiKey in iOS 13.3.

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This Is How Your iPhone Is A Cool New Way To Access Google - Forbes