Google is making it tougher for computer hackers and other imposters to break into e-mail accounts and other password-protected services.An additional security measure introduced Monday will require typing a six-digit code after an accountholder's Google password is entered. The codes will be sent to people's mobile phones.
The two-step login means it will take more than a password to get into an account.
The extra protection initially will be offered to companies and government agencies subscribing to a Google service that provides e-mail and other office applications. Google Inc. also is offering the added security to schools that rely on Google to run their e-mail.
People using Google's free Gmail service will be able to make the security codes part of their login process within the next few months.
WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEANS?
This has nothing to do with protecting personal privacy and everything to do with ensuring their data is valid at the expense of end-users inconvenience and forcing their users to give-up their mobile number for even more Google Tracking.
On a positive note, revealing your mobile number to Google means that you are trusted but anytime your cross a forbidden line, Google can get back at you. In most countries, all mobile number registration can be traced back to the original registrant even if the number is on a pre-paid account.
Can Google afford to send text messages containing the six-digit codes to million of users? Yes, it can. Remember Google allowed you to make a phone call even from your GMail account.
On a sour note, it could be a problem for individual with a single mobile number but maintaining multiple Google accounts. It will also be a problem to Google users who doesn't have a mobile phones. This goes to people from poor countries and kids.