Google announced recently that it will force users to use two factor authentication (2FA) on all Nest products from this Spring and now it seems that Ring are following on from that but are starting today.
In a blog post today entitled “Extra Layers of Security and Control” Ring said that the 2FA that they already offer to users will be made mandatory for all users when logging into their Ring accounts. The process is fairly simple and it uses SMS or email rather than a 2FA app such as Google Authenticator.
Here’s how it works: With every login on your Ring account, you’ll receive a one-time, six-digit code to verify your login attempt. You’ll need to enter that code before we will allow access to your Ring account. The same goes for any Shared Users that you have on your account. You can choose to receive this one-time passcode via the email address you have listed on your Ring account or on your phone as a text message (SMS). Requiring this code will help ensure that the person trying to log into your account is you. This mandatory second layer of verification will begin rolling out to users today.
For those Ring users out there the next time you log into your Ring account you will see the 2FA prompts. This applies to shared users too. It is simple to setup but I would rather have the ability or choice to use a 2FA app as well.
Ring also detailed their co-operation with third parties, giving users the ability to manage this. Beginning immediately Ring are pausing most third party analytics services in the Ring apps and website while they add in the capabilities to opt out of each service to the Control Centre of the app. You can also opt out of the personalised advertising — ie. stop Ring sharing your information with third-party service providers for the purpose of receiving personalised ads.
Ring then went on to remind everyone the best practices for keeping passwords for your Ring and other online accounts — something you all know about (last night I witnessed my fiance roll off several of her passwords — she only has a few — to an RACV call centre guy until she got to the correct one. He now has all of her passwords…).
It is good to see Ring finally getting serious about account security and giving users some control over what is done with their data. As a Ring user I am glad they are taking this step but it should have been done a long time ago.
