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Ring doorbell makes two-factor verification mandatory | Ring doorbell makes two-factor verification mandatory |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Ring, Amazon's video doorbell system, has introduced additional steps to the way users log in to their accounts. | Ring, Amazon's video doorbell system, has introduced additional steps to the way users log in to their accounts. |
Users will need to enter a password and unique six-digit code when they first log in to view their security footage or access the Neighbors app. | Users will need to enter a password and unique six-digit code when they first log in to view their security footage or access the Neighbors app. |
On Tuesday, Ring also said it would pause its data-sharing with third-party firms. | On Tuesday, Ring also said it would pause its data-sharing with third-party firms. |
The change comes as Ring and Amazon face increasing scrutiny about privacy protection and data sharing. | The change comes as Ring and Amazon face increasing scrutiny about privacy protection and data sharing. |
A BBC report on Amazon - which owns Ring - showed the company's extensive level of data collection. | A BBC report on Amazon - which owns Ring - showed the company's extensive level of data collection. |
In a blog post Ring's president Leila Rouhi said the company takes "digital security and privacy seriously" and would look at additional ways to improve security. | In a blog post Ring's president Leila Rouhi said the company takes "digital security and privacy seriously" and would look at additional ways to improve security. |
Ring's new log-in system will be similar to other two-factor authentication processes. After signing in with a username and password the app will ask to send a text message or email with a one-time six-digit code. Once the code is entered the user will have access to the app and be able to view footage from outdoor and indoor cameras. | Ring's new log-in system will be similar to other two-factor authentication processes. After signing in with a username and password the app will ask to send a text message or email with a one-time six-digit code. Once the code is entered the user will have access to the app and be able to view footage from outdoor and indoor cameras. |
Owners will then be able to use their mobile apps for 30 day before they are required to go through the two-step process again, unless they log out of their account in the meantime. | Owners will then be able to use their mobile apps for 30 day before they are required to go through the two-step process again, unless they log out of their account in the meantime. |
Last week, Nest - Google's home security device - began requiring two-factor authentication. | Last week, Nest - Google's home security device - began requiring two-factor authentication. |
Two-factor authentication was an option for Ring users before, but it was not the default setting. | Two-factor authentication was an option for Ring users before, but it was not the default setting. |
Critics pointed to the fact that even when users logged in from a new device they were not asked for a second verification. | Critics pointed to the fact that even when users logged in from a new device they were not asked for a second verification. |
That meant that to get access to someone's Ring footage all a hacker would need was a login ID and password. Because many people use the same login credentials for multiple accounts experts stress using a password alone is not a very secure system. | That meant that to get access to someone's Ring footage all a hacker would need was a login ID and password. Because many people use the same login credentials for multiple accounts experts stress using a password alone is not a very secure system. |
The new security steps will apply to access Ring's web services and its app - including its Neighbors app where Ring users can share video footage. | The new security steps will apply to access Ring's web services and its app - including its Neighbors app where Ring users can share video footage. |
Ms Rouhi also said Ring was changing the way it shared data with outside analytics firms. | Ms Rouhi also said Ring was changing the way it shared data with outside analytics firms. |
Last month, the Electronic Frontier Foundation published a study showing Ring was sharing personally identifiable information with third-party analytics firms - something Ring did not disclose to its customers. | Last month, the Electronic Frontier Foundation published a study showing Ring was sharing personally identifiable information with third-party analytics firms - something Ring did not disclose to its customers. |
Ring said this helped the firm improve its software. Ring said it has paused the data sharing for most third-party partners until it develops a way for users to opt in or out. | Ring said this helped the firm improve its software. Ring said it has paused the data sharing for most third-party partners until it develops a way for users to opt in or out. |
Why Amazon knows so much about you | |
Our technology desk editor, Leo Kelion, asked Amazon to send all the data they had collected on him over the years. This is what he found out. |