Google account update! You won't be able to login unless you do this first; check how to

Google account update: From next week, you will not be able to log in without signing up for the 2-step verification feature; know how to do it here.

From November 9, the way you log in to your Google account will be changed. (REUTERS)

The easy one-click login of your Google account is going to end soon. Yes, you heard it right! The tech giant Google has already announced that by the end of 2021, the way to log in to a Google account will be changed. You will need to go through a two-step verification (2SV) process, which will be mandatory for all by November 9. The update is to ensure the protection of your Google account.

Back in October, a Google Blog post focused on the need for 2SV for security purposes and confirmed that it would auto-enroll an additional 150 million Google users in 2SV. Additionally, Google mentioned that 2 million YouTube creators are required to turn it on too.

Google blog post reads, “For years, Google has been at the forefront of innovation in two-step verification (2SV), one of the most reliable ways to prevent unauthorized access to accounts and networks. 2SV is strongest when it combines both "something you know" (like a password) and "something you have" (like your phone or a security key).”

What is 2SV?

In today's era of digitization, your data is your identity. And your Google account almost have it all! The two-step verification is like an extra layer of security to your account.

If you think no one can guess your password, then you are wrong. Using the same password on more than one site, downloading software from the internet or clicking on any links in your email messages can put you at risk of having your password stolen.

2SV includes your password and your phone to ensure that hackers cannot access your information even if they have your password. So, even if hackers have your password, they will need your phone or verification code sent over your phone to access your account.

How to get the Google account update?

Once the 2SV will be auto-enrolled to sign in to your Google account, you will need to log in first with your password. Then it will ask you to give your mobile number, on which an OTP (one-time-password) will be sent via text, voice call, or Google's mobile app. Once you receive the OTP, you can provide that code in the login bar.

And there you go! Your account is safe from the attack of hackers.

This feature is already there on Google. You might have gone through 2SV earlier while logging into your Google account for the first time or on a new device. From November 9, If you haven't done 2SV, then you will be auto-enrolled for all the accounts.