Google updates authenticator to sync one-time codes in the cloud

 

What happened: The Google Authenticator has been updated to make it easier for users to access their accounts if they lose the device that stores them. Google Authenticator will now sync 2FA codes automatically to users' accounts via the cloud rather than only storing them locally on a single device so that they won't be forced to reauthorize all their linked apps. Users can activate this new feature by updating the authenticator app. This update exclusively applies to Android and iOS.  Why it matters: Cloud syncing and cloud backups are seen as better alternatives to local password storage because when stored locally, the password database will be lost if the device gets lost. Furthermore, it is much more convenient because it requires fewer steps, and the password data is kept in sync and accessible from nearly everywhere. Despite these benefits, cloud syncing has its downsides, as it provides the cloud password manager more access to sensitive information. Google Cloud also offers a passwordless login option with Passkeys, which enables users to log in to their accounts using a biometric sensor (fingerprint, facial recognition, etc.), PIN, or pattern rather than a traditional password. Passwordless authentication is becoming more popular but still faces several barriers to adoption.  What the numbers say: A survey by Thales Group found that among 2,800 worldwide organizations, the most commonly deployed authentication technologies were multi-factor authentication (56%), cloud-based single sign-on (51%), and passwordless authentication (48%). Data from the Ponemon Institute reveals that the biggest barrier to adopting passwordless authentication worldwide among IT staff leaders was legacy systems not supporting the technology (61%).  Brands that should care: Companies offering password management services should be paying attention to the current trends among enterprises and other organizations in terms of what their preferred authentication technologies are. It is no secret that password management can be incredibly stressful both for individuals and organizations. Therefore, password management companies should try to figure out the best way to make the user experience as streamlined and efficient as possible.