Google to Require Nest Users to Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Google says enabling two-factor authentication “will greatly reduce the likelihood of an unauthorized person gaining access to your Nest account.”
(Source: Google)
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Google announced in a recent blog post that beginning this Spring, all Nest users will be required to enable two-factor authentication.
The action is being implemented in order to “greatly reduce the likelihood of an unauthorized person gaining access to your Nest account,” according to the blog post.
From Nest to Ring, many smart home companies, as well as technology companies in general, have seen a multitude of hackings and data breaches recently.
Just a few months ago, there was a notable rise in Ring camera hackings. Throughout 2019, bizarre stories of Nest cameras playing vulgar music and announcing bogus missile attacks also came to light.
The majority of these incidents could have been prevented with the utilization of two-factor authentication. Many of these hackings occur because users either recycle passwords or have had their login information stolen during a data breach. Hackers can then take that information and “credential stuff” until they are logged in to a user’s account.
With two-factor authentication, the user logs in with an email and password as usual. There is then a second step in order to verify the true identity of the person logging in. This usually consists of a unique, temporary verification code sent to your phone which must then be entered on the login screen to confirm identity.
It will be interesting to see if there is a decline in Nest camera hackings following the implementation. The lack of two-factor authentication being enabled is usually the first excuse companies give when a product is hacked. Now Nest will need to come up with a new excuse the next time a hacker speaks through a customer’s camera.
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About the Author
Steve Karantzoulidis, Web/Senior Editor
Steven A. Karantzoulidis is the Web Editor for Security Sales & Integration. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a degree in Communication and has a background in Film, A/V and Social Media.
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This is really a piece of good news, one of the main concerns for home automation is security and enabling Two-Factor Authentication will surely strengthen the security and prevent intruders from gaining access. we need this to stay safe while exploring the new smart home technology trend. Moreover, Alexa should also make Two-Factor Authentication a compulsory too to make sure that their users are secure and safe from hackers and intruders. Thanks for the good news.