As of June 1, Nest devices can now use Google’s Advanced Protection Program. The announcement was posted on Google’s security blog by Shuvo Chatterjee, the Product Manager for the Advanced Protection Program.
Chatterjee explains that the program is the “strongest level of Google Account security for people at high risk of targeted online attacks, such as journalists, activists, business leaders, and people working on elections. Anyone can sign up to automatically receive extra safeguards against phishing, malware, and fraudulent access to their data.”
While the Advanced Protection Program has previously been available on Google Accounts, it hasn’t been available with Nest devices. Now both a user’s Google Account and Nest smart device setup can benefit from the extra layer of security.
This follows Google's announcement in February that all Nest users must migrate their accounts into a Google Account. This simple process provides users with an increased base-level of security, including suspicious activity detection, reCAPTHCA Enterprise, automated attack safeguarding, and Security Checkup.
The security program is focused on protection against phishing attacks, which can be extremely sophisticated, tricking even the most cautious of service users. These attacks can quickly trick users into giving away valuable information, such as personal information, username and password, and even two-step verification code.
The Advanced Protection Program requires both a Google Account password and a security key, be it “a physical security key, the security key built into your Android 7.0+ phone”, or an iPhone running iOS 10.0+ with the free Google Smart Lock app installed. While the smartphone-based security keys are available for free, those looking to use a physical key will need to purchase both a main key and a back-up key.
The program will also block unknown apps and installs from unverified sources. Fraudulent account access by hackers impersonating the user and pretending to have been locked out of the account will also be combated through more complex verification processes.
As the world begins to adopt smart technology, and cloud-based software and storage more widely, improved security protocols such as this will become ever more important. Even though the service was designed with high-profile users in mind, all should welcome and embrace the extra security protocols and the peace of mind that they bring. The same can be said for other readily available security options, like VPNs and comprehensive internet security packages.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Google has temporarily suspended enrolment with a phone’s built-in security key. You can still enrol with two physical security keys, like the ones listed below.
To find out more about Google's Advanced Protection Program, click here.
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