Instead of getting six-digit log-in codes via SMS, which is unsafe and prone to phishing, users will see a QR code that they can scan with their phone’s camera.
Table of Contents Ever since Google enabled two-step verification for Gmail and other tied authentication protocols in its ecosystem, SMS codes have been a mainstay. But according to security analyses, SMS codes are notoriously unsafe, especially when the communication channel is not encrypted. That is finally about to change, as SMS codes will soon be replaced with QR codes for Gmail authentication.
Recommended Videos Now, Google is planning to phase out SMS-based verification completely for Gmail authentication. “Just like we want to move past passwords with the use of things like passkeys. We want to move away from sending SMS messages for authentication,” Gmail spokesperson Ross Richendrfer, was quoted as saying by Forbes.
That leaves them locked out of their own Gmail account, and all the core services tied to it, which also include third-party services that require a Google account log-in. Moreover, in scenarios where users don’t have access to cellular networks, getting log-in codes via SMS becomes another challenge.
It is worth nothing here that QR codes are not inherently fool-proof. QR scams are also fairly common. But a QR scanning system that requires a local decode key, or a secure public key between only two trusted parties, is a lot safer and quicker.
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Gmail will stop using SMS for two-factor authenticationIan Carlos Campbell is a Contributing Reporter at Engadget, where he covers the big companies making screens for your pockets, and the weird ways they intersect with entertainment industry. Prior to Engadget, Ian was an Associate Editor at Inverse focused on AR, VR and mobile technology.
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