2FA Archives

The Chromebook fingerprint sensor needs to do more

Kevin C. TofelMarch 26, 2022March 29, 2022News, Opinion1Password, 2FA, Authentication, Chrome OS, Chromebooks, Fingerprint reader, Google, Productivity, Security8 Comments

More Chrome OS devices are coming with a fingerprint sensor. There’s just one problem: A Chromebook fingerprint sensor can only do one thing, while on other platforms it can do so much more.

Chromebooks gain native support for 2FA and faster web sign-ins with Chrome OS 88

Kevin C. TofelJanuary 28, 2021January 28, 2021News2FA, Acer Chromebook Spin 13, Authentication, Chrome OS, Chrome OS 88, Chromebooks, Fingerprint reader, Security, Titan security key2 Comments

Your Chromebook PIN or fingerprint sensor will act as a 2FA method once Chrome OS 88 rolls out. This second layer of account protection keeps you safe even if your online account credentials are compromised.

Google launches Password Checkup; here’s how to use it on your Chromebook

Kevin C. TofelOctober 2, 2019October 2, 2019How to, News2FA, Chrome OS, Chrome OS 78, Password Checkup, passwords, Security, Titan security key3 Comments

Google’s Password Checker, which will alert you if it sees your account credentials in database of 4 billion known breached accounts, lands on the web. Here’s how to use it on your Chromebook until Google integrates it into Chrome OS.

Got a Chromebook? Here’s how and why you need to protect your Google account

Kevin C. TofelJune 18, 2019June 18, 2019How to, News2FA, Chromebooks, Google, Google account, Hacking, passwords, Security, Titan security key, USB31 Comments

Using SMS for two-factor authentication (2FA) is the least secure option to protect your Google account and your Chromebook. Here’s how to bolster security on both and what can happen if you don’t.

Chrome OS may add extra security to view passwords saved in a Google account

Kevin C. TofelJanuary 17, 2019News2FA, Chrome OS, Google, passwords, Security6 Comments

Unlike the Chrome browser on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, Chrome OS doesn’t require additional authentication when viewing your saved passwords. That may change due to a bug report, although there’s a debate on if this should just apply to enterprises.

Got a Chromebook? Consider securing it with a Google Titan key

Kevin C. TofelAugust 30, 2018August 30, 2018News2FA, Chrome OS, Chromebooks, Google, Pixelbook, Security, Titan security key, U2F14 Comments

Google’s Titan security key is now available for $50 and adds a second authentication factor for online accounts to mitigate phishing attacks. Guess what: You can use it for 2FA logins on your Chromebook too.

Chrome OS and Chrome getting support for biometric 2FA with CTAP2 standard

Kevin C. TofelJune 22, 2018June 22, 2018News2FA, Authentication, Biometrics, Chrome browser, Chrome OS, Chromebooks, SecurityNo Comments

As early as Chrome version 69, you’ll be able to log into a web service without using a password but with the added security benefits of either biometrics or a PIN thanks to the coming support for CTAP2 FIDO devices.

Yes, the Pixelbook power button is a U2F key. Here’s why I wouldn’t use it.

Kevin C. TofelJune 10, 2018June 11, 2018News, Opinion2FA, Chrome OS, Chromebooks, Pixelbook, Security, Yubikey26 Comments

Yes, you can use the power button of the Pixelbook for two-factor authentication. But it’s a terrible idea: You’re actually decreasing the security factor with this method. Here’s why.