Now Gmail accounts will be even more secure, Google is going to make this big change
Google is soon going to remove SMS based support for Gmail's two-factor authentication (2FA). This information has been received from a report. According to the report, the company is going to replace SMS codes and support QR codes. It is believed that this step is being taken by Google to increase the security of Google accounts.
Staff Editor 
According to a report, Google is going to stop supporting SMS-based two-factor authentication (2FA) for Gmail. The company is reportedly preparing to introduce support for Quick Response (QR) codes, which will replace the SMS codes that are currently sent to Gmail users. The move is expected to increase the security of Google accounts. Because, cybercriminals can trick users into sharing their login codes received over SMS, bypassing the security offered by the 2FA system which is old, but still supported on many platforms.
Will Gmail discontinue SMS authentication codes?
According to a Forbes report, Google will roll out QR codes as a replacement for its SMS authentication codes in the coming months. The company currently sends users a six-digit code via SMS, which has to be entered after providing the correct password while logging into a Google account. This was the first form of 2FA introduced by the search giant in 2011 and more secure options have been introduced in subsequent years.
Once the company phases out support for SMS-based 2FA codes, Gmail users will be presented with a QR code that must be scanned using the camera app on their smartphone. The company believes that after submitting the correct password, these QR codes will offer a more secure way to authenticate users.
"SMS codes are a source of increased risk for users. We are pleased to introduce an innovative new approach to reduce the surface area for attackers and keep users safe from malicious activity," Gmail spokesperson Ross Richendorfer told the publication on Sunday.
Support for SMS-based 2FA presents several security challenges. Scammers can trick users into sharing SMS codes or target specific users with a 'SIM swapping' attack to gain access to their phone number. Like X (formerly Twitter), Google also wants to crack down on SMS fraud, where scammers prompt companies to send texts to specific numbers in order to earn money for each message delivered.
Google currently allows users to receive codes via phone call instead of SMS and it is not clear if this option will be retired as well. The company usually displays a login prompt on the user's smartphone as MFA and users can tap a button to complete the login process. Google also supports Time-based One Time Password (TOTP) which is supported on password managers or apps like Google Authenticator.
