Google made it easier to set up the Advanced Protection Program for users of risky Google accounts

marry 10.07.2024, 13:30 PM

Google has made it easier for users at higher risk of targeted attacks to opt-in to the Advanced Protection Program for Google Accounts. Now users can set it up with a single passkey using the Pixel phone’s or iPhone’s built-in biometric authentication instead of the two physical security keys the company previously required.

The Advanced Protection program is not intended for ordinary users, but for people like those who work on political campaigns or journalists with sensitive information that needs to be protected. When it launched, the company required two physical security keys to activate, and one of those keys and a password to log in afterwards.

Google changed this feature in 2023 to allow users to sign in only with Passkey, a password-less sign-in method that allows users to securely sign in to their accounts, apps, and services using built-in authentication on their devices. But two physical security keys were still required to set up the Advanced Protection Program.

To turn on the program, you should go to page Google’s Advanced Protection Program and click “Get Started” and then the page will guide you through the settings. Finally, you’ll have the option to set up with a passkey or a physical security key. The company also requires recovery methods such as a phone number and email address or other access key in case you lose access to your account.