Google has announced a suite of new privacy and recovery tools aimed at enhancing user security and combating spam across its products. The updates include the introduction of Recovery Contacts, a new method for signing in with a mobile number, and advanced suspicious link detection within Google Messages, providing users with more robust options to protect and regain access to their accounts.
Introducing Recovery Contacts
The highlight of the announcement is the new “Recovery Contacts” feature, designed to offer a human-centric approach to account recovery. Users can now designate trusted friends or family members who can help them verify their identity if they are locked out of their account. This is particularly useful in situations where a device is lost or a password is forgotten.
To use this feature, users can add up to ten trusted individuals through the security tab on their Google Accounts page. When a recovery attempt is initiated, the selected contact receives a verification number valid for 15 minutes, which the user must enter to regain access. For security purposes, once a recovery contact is used, they cannot be utilized again for seven days.
Enhanced Mobile-Based Recovery
Addressing the common issue of losing a primary device, Google is also rolling out a sign-in with a mobile number as a recovery method. This tool automatically identifies all Google accounts associated with a specific phone number. To verify their identity, users can simply use the lock-screen passcode or pattern from their previous device, streamlining the recovery process without needing to remember complex passwords. This feature is being gradually deployed to users worldwide.
Bolstering Security in Google Messages
Google is extending its on-device protection for Messages to all users by integrating spam link detection. Previously a feature for Pixel devices, the app will now automatically warn users when they click on a suspicious link, preventing them from visiting potentially harmful pages. For more security-conscious users, a key verifier is being added to Google Messages. This allows users to confirm the identity of their contacts by scanning a QR code, ensuring that their conversations are private and end-to-end encrypted.
Relevance for the MENA Tech Ecosystem
For the rapidly digitizing MENA region, these security enhancements are critically important. As more startups, SMEs, and enterprises rely on Google Workspace for their daily operations, robust account security is paramount to protecting sensitive business data. The new recovery features provide a vital safety net against account compromises, which can be devastating for a growing business. Furthermore, with increasing smartphone penetration across the region, features like advanced spam detection help build digital literacy and trust among a broad user base, fostering a safer online environment for both consumers and businesses.
About Google
Google is a global technology company specializing in internet-related services and products, which include online advertising technologies, a search engine, cloud computing, software, and hardware. Its mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. Google’s portfolio includes market-leading products such as Android, Google Chrome, Google Maps, and the Google Cloud Platform.
Source: TechCrunch
