Gmail to bring QR codes in place of SMS for authentication

Google is prepping to drop support for SMS-based two-factor authentication for Gmail. A report by Forbes suggested that the tech giant is planning to bring QR codes in place of SMS for all Gmail users. This move will take the security of the account a level above.

As of now, Google sends users a six-digit code through SMS that they can enter after providing the correct password while logging in to their Google account from a new device. Once the two-factor authentication via SMS is stopped completely, the users will be able to get QR codes that can be scanned from the camera app of their smartphone to make a long. As suggested by Google, this is a more secure way of authentication and the users will definitely benefit from it.

Gmail new authentication method details

Gmail spokesperson Ross Richendrfer said that SMS codes are a source of heightened risk for the users of Gmail. He further said that the firm is pleased to introduce an innovative new approach to shrink the surface area for the attackers and keep all the users safer from malicious activity.

There are a few risks associated with the sharing of the code via the two-factor authentication method. One of them is that scammers can trick users into sharing their SMS codes or even trigger SIM swapping to get access to the phone numbers of the users. Google is following X’s path to curb the issues related to SMS fraud.

As of now, Google allows users to get the security code via a phone call as well. It is not clear until now if this option will run simultaneously alongside the QR code or not. Furthermore, users can tap a button to complete the login process. Apart from that, logging in via the Google Authenticator App will always be an option for the users.