Google apps will now deliver security alerts: What you need to know
- Google brings account security warnings to its apps.
- They should warn you of problems faster and are more trustworthy.
- Google Assistant is now getting a guest mode for anonymous commands.
Google’s efforts to improve security now include clearer, more trustworthy account security alerts, greater control over location, and improved anonymity for Assistant.
The internet giant is in the process of rolling out redesigned security warnings that will appear across its various apps. The warnings are not only “clearly visible”, but also resistant to parodies. You don’t have to worry about an email or system notification tricking you into disclosing sensitive details. The function will be available for the first time in the “coming weeks” and be available on a larger scale in early 2021.
You can also keep your whereabouts under lock and key. Google is adding an option that allows you to manually edit your location history on your timeline. You can add or edit places you’ve been to with just a few taps. This could of course improve the accuracy of your location data, but it could also be helpful if you’d rather not reveal your home or office.
Google Assistant is adding guest mode in the “coming weeks”. If you enable it, commands will not be associated with a Google account. This can be useful for everyday purposes, e.g. B. to research a special gift or to ask an embarrassing question. However, it can also be helpful if you are concerned that intruders may learn the intricacies of your life if they put your account at risk.
Connected: Google improves Chrome password protection
The security alerts and other measures won’t stop Google Account hacks or phishing scams by themselves. However, they can minimize the damage by helping you react faster and limiting the data that successful attackers collect. The location and assistant changes also make important privacy improvements if you’re concerned that people might get curious.
