Hate QR Codes? Google Will Make You Scan One When You Log In
How-To Geek, Monday, February 24th, 2025
Google is ditching SMS two-factor authentication in favor of QR codes. The new 2FA method will provide increased protection against phishing and other common threats, but it may be less convenient than SMS verification, depending on Google's implementation.
Most major websites use two-factor authentication (2FA) to prevent hackers from hijacking compromised accounts. The idea is pretty simple: a hacker who steals your username and password will rarely, if ever, have direct access to your smartphone or email inbox. So, instead of relying on usernames and passwords as the sole form of login verification, websites will send one-time codes via SMS or email to ensure that login attempts are legit.