Google is making it easier for iPhone and iPad users to verify connections by announcing that Apple device owners will now be able to use their Android device as a security key. The search giant recently revealed that it has developed a new Bluetooth-based protocol, which allows smartphones running Android 7.0 or later to play the key security role for two-factor authentication. According to Google, 100.000 users have already started using their Android smartphones as security keys. The technology is currently limited to Chrome connections, but Apple device owners will now be able to use their Android smartphone to connect without the need for a physical security key.
Security keys
Security keys provide additional protection for users who fear their devices will be hacked, and are even used by Google employees themselves to prevent phishing attacks. When the company announced that modern Android smartphones could now be used as security keys, it also noted that its operating system is now FIDO2 certified. FIDO2 is already supported in all major global browsers, including Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox, with preview support available in Apple's Safari. iPhone and iPad users who want to use their Android device as a security key must first install the Google Smart Lock app on their iOS device. However, at the moment, the Google Android security key can only be used to connect to Chrome, but the company could extend this functionality to other apps and services later.- We have also highlighted the best antivirus to protect your devices online.