Security of data you have stored online, or the very lack of it, is becoming increasingly important. At a breakneck pace, more and more companies are using online software like Google Apps, Dropbox, Salesforce, PayPal, Amazon and Google.
The responsibility of securing your data from hackers lies with two parties. For the record, I'm not talking about privacy here - that's another interesting topic - but about the security of access to your data. Thesupplier of the service should make every effort to make their software, servers and data as safe as possible. And we as users must be careful with our personal information.
A recent example
Google has mechanisms to detect suspicious login actions. This week, Google announced that they are going to take the next step to prevent the so-called hijacking of Google Accounts. At the moment that Google detects a suspicious login the user will be asked to give some extra information besides its password. Google also calls this Login Challenges. For example, think of your phone number or a location from which you normally log in. An example of a suspicious login is a user logging in first in Singapore and 10 minutes later in the Netherlands.
In the coming weeks, the Login Challenge will be rolled out and Google Apps users may be asked to verify their phone number (see below image). After, Google will only ask for the phone number if Google detects a suspicious login.
What else can I do as a user?
In addition to your login name and password, make sure you have an extra layer of security in place. This is called Two Step Verification. You will then need to enter an additional code to your password. This code you get on your phone (as App or SMS). As far as I am concerned this is a must for everyone..
If you use the Two Step Verification, you will not get Login Challenges!
