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Google buys sound authentication firm SlickLogin | Google buys sound authentication firm SlickLogin |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Google has acquired SlickLogin - an Israeli start-up behind the technology that allows websites to verify a user's identity by using sound waves. | Google has acquired SlickLogin - an Israeli start-up behind the technology that allows websites to verify a user's identity by using sound waves. |
It works by playing a uniquely generated, nearly-silent sound through computer speakers, which is picked up by an app on the user's smartphone. | It works by playing a uniquely generated, nearly-silent sound through computer speakers, which is picked up by an app on the user's smartphone. |
The app analyzes the sound and sends a signal back to confirm the identity. | The app analyzes the sound and sends a signal back to confirm the identity. |
The technology can be used either as a replacement for a password or as an additional security layer. | The technology can be used either as a replacement for a password or as an additional security layer. |
SlickLogin confirmed the acquisition on its website but did not provide any financial details of the deal. | SlickLogin confirmed the acquisition on its website but did not provide any financial details of the deal. |
"Today we`re announcing that the SlickLogin team is joining Google, a company that shares our core beliefs that logging in should be easy instead of frustrating, and authentication should be effective without getting in the way," the firm said in a statement. | "Today we`re announcing that the SlickLogin team is joining Google, a company that shares our core beliefs that logging in should be easy instead of frustrating, and authentication should be effective without getting in the way," the firm said in a statement. |
"Google was the first company to offer two-step verification to everyone, for free - and they're working on some great ideas that will make the internet safer for everyone." | "Google was the first company to offer two-step verification to everyone, for free - and they're working on some great ideas that will make the internet safer for everyone." |
Secure logins | |
Many firms, especially those in sectors such as financial services, have been adopting a two-step verification for users. | |
The steps include matching the user name and the password plus a second layer of verification. | |
In some cases, such as online payments, companies message the user a one-time Pin on the mobile phone number associated with their account. The user then enters the Pin within a stipulated period of time to verify his or her identity. | |
Some other companies, like banks, issue special gadgets that generate unique codes. Users need to enter these codes to authenticate their login. | |
Analysts said that while these methods has been working, firms were keen to use even more secure ways to protect their users against any data theft. | |
"The more uniquely a technology identifies the user, the safer the system would be against any potential hacks," Sharat Sinha, a vice president with Palo Alto Networks, a firm specialising in enterprise security told the BBC. | |
"The problem with one-time Pins is that if someone hacks into your account, they can change the mobile number associated with it. | |
"Meanwhile, specialised hardware devices provided to users are something they need to carry with them all the time," he said. | |
Mr Sinha added that firms were looking for technology that is not only unique and highly secure, but also convenient to use. | |
"And anything that uses smartphones makes life easier for the users." |