With the introduction of Google Nest and support for more forms of security keys for iOS users, Google revealed this week extensions to the Advanced Safety Programm.
Through the Advanced Protection Program the Internet search giant seeks to provide individuals at high risk of targeted attacks with the best possible Google Account protection.
The program is aimed at journalists, activists, business leaders and election workers, but allows anyone to sign up and receive additional safeguards against phishing , malware, and fraudulent data access.
Over the years , Google rolled out Advanced Protection System features for many of its services, including GSuite, Google Cloud Platform, Chrome and, most recently, Android, and this week also made it accessible to Google Nest, adding an extra layer of security for its users.
“Now users can use their Google Accounts easily for both Advanced Security and Google Nest apps — a person was previously able to use their Google Account on only one of these at a time,” Google confirmed.
Also this week, the company started promoting native support for the implementation of the W3C WebAuthn for Google accounts on devices running iOS 13.3 and newer versions, for both personal and work account Google.
The new capability allows iOS device owners to use more types of security keys for Google Account and the Advanced Protection Program, the company says.
These include the USB-A and Bluetooth Titan Security Keys (both of which have built-in NFC functionality), Lightning security keys such as the YubiKey 5Ci or any USB security key (for those with an Apple Lightning to USB camera adapter), and USB-C security keys (on iOS devices with a USB-C port, such as an iPad Pro).
Google also suggests that users install the Smart Lock app, which enables them to use Bluetooth security keys and the built-in security key for their phone, so that their iPhones can become additional security keys for their Google accounts.
“We highly recommend users to get security keys (such as Titan Security Key or your Android or iOS phone) at a higher risk of targeted attacks and enroll in the Advanced Protection Program. If you work for U.S. political committees, you may be eligible to apply for free Titan Security Keys through Defending Digital Campaigns to help you register for Advanced Protection, “notes Google.
For any site where FIDO security keys are supported for 2FA, iOS users can take advantage of the security keys such as Google Account, 1Password, Bitbucket, Bitfinex, Coinbase, Dropbox, Facebook, GitHub, Salesforce, Stripe, Twitter and more.