Tech giant Google recently announced that it is testing a new method of user authentication that will soon replace standard passwords, which is usually a string of characters. The project is part of Google's plan to strengthen user passwords in general.
The Mountain View-based tech company is testing a new way for Google Account holders to authenticate their identity by using only their mobile phones. By using mobile devices, users will have to skip the part where they usually type in their passwords in order to access their Google Account.
The new security feature uses mobile phones to authenticate user identity by sending a notification that allows user to either grant or deny access into the account.
In a statement sent to Venture Beat, Google said, "We've invited a small group of users to help test a new way to sign-in to their Google accounts, no password required. 'Pizza,' 'password,' and '123456' - your days are numbered." The last sentence is a reference to the most commonly used passwords by Internet users.
The new method works by first authorizing the phone in order to allow the user to log into their account. The next step is to use a computer in logging in into Google and by doing so, a notification will be sent into the authorized phone asking the user whether to allow the login or deny it. If users hit Yes, they can log in to their Google account without the use of a password.
According to The Verge, the new method of authenticating users is a powerful tool against hackers, especially phishers who rely on passwords in order to launch their attacks.