Google introduced new ways to recover Gmail account

A new attack called Pixnapping is able to steal your two-factor authentication (2FA) code in just 30 seconds without you knowing. This type of attack is very dangerous. By identifying this threat, Google has taken measures to deal with it and provided new security features so that if your access to your Gmail account is blocked, you can enter it again. This can happen when you’ve lost your device, forgotten your password, or become a victim of malware.

Significant increase in attacks against Google applications

According to Google, cyber attacks against the company’s applications, including Gmail, have increased by 84% over the past year. The biggest threat to users of Google apps are emails designed to steal passwords. In such cases, Account Recovery becomes important. However, even Google itself confirms that account recovery can’t always help you get back into your Gmail account.

Claire Forzet and Sriram Kara, members of Google’s Identity and Engagement team, also cautioned against relying solely on account recovery. They explained that recovering a Gmail account can be difficult, even with a one-time SMS code, if you’ve lost your phone or haven’t updated your recovery number.

For this reason, Google has introduced a new feature called Recovery Contacts. This feature allows Gmail users to choose from among their family members, close friends, or trusted people who can help them regain access to their account in the event of a problem. “It’s a simple and safe way to rely on people you trust when other recovery options aren’t available,” Forzet and Cara said.

To enable this feature, you must set it up before you lose access. Go to myaccount.google.com/security through your browser and make sure you are on the Security tab. Then go to the Recovery Contacts section on the left side of the page, click on it and go through the authentication process. On the next page, by selecting +Recovery Contact button, you can add up to 10 of your trusted people to help you recover access to Gmail or other Google applications if the account is locked.

Google introduced the new Sign in with Mobile Number feature

Google has also introduced a new way for Android users to verify their identity by using only their mobile number and log into their Gmail account without the need for a password. In this method called Sign in with Mobile Number, just enter your phone number to display the accounts associated with that number. Then select the desired account and enter the lock screen password of your phone; Now you will enter the account without needing a password.