Google Rolls Out New Data Protection Tools

Google Rolls Out New Data Protection Tools

In a blog post Tuesday, Google announced two new updates to help users protect their data: Password Checkup and Cross Account Protection.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • Feb 06, 2019

In a blog post Tuesday, Google announced two new updates to help users protect their data: Password Checkup and Cross Account Protection.

Password Checkup is a new extension that can be added to the Google Chrome browser. If Password Checkup detects that a username and password on a site visited by the user is one of more than 4 billion compromised credentials of which Google is aware, the extension will automatically warn the user and suggest they change their password.

Cross Account Protection addresses data security problems raised by using Google Sign In to sign into apps with a Google Account. As Buzzfeed News explains, it’s currently difficult for one identity provider, like an email, to alert other services a user logs into with that email when there’s a security problem with the account. If a Google account is hacked, the hacker could use Google Sign In to access that user’s other accounts that use Google Sign In.

Cross Account Protect aims to fix this vulnerability. When apps and websites implement the tool, Google is able to send them information about security issues to those apps and websites so they can alert the user.  Google said in its blog post that it has designed the security issues to be “extremely limited to protect your privacy:

  • We only share the fact that the security event happened.
  • We only share basic information about the event, like whether your account was hijacked, or if we forced you to log back in because of suspicious activity.
  • We only share information with apps where you have logged in with Google.”

“People have data stored in lots of different places, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult for them to keep it all locked down and protected,” Mark Risher, a director of product management who runs Google's identity team, told BuzzFeed News. “Effectively what we’re trying to accomplish is to make the internet safer.”

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Collaboration Made Easy Using a Work Management Platform

    Effective collaboration between security operators, teams and other departments is critical to the smooth functioning of organizations. Yet, as organizations grow in complexity, it becomes more difficult for teams to coordinate with each other. This is compounded by staffing shortages, turnover and ineffective collaboration tools. Read Now

  • Creating a Safer World

    Managing and supporting locks and door hardware within a facility is a big responsibility. A building’s security needs to change over time as occupancy and use demands evolve, which can make it even more challenging. Read Now

  • Creating More Versatility

    Today, AI has become top of mind for most security professionals. It is the topic of conversation in the technology world and continues to transform the way data is used to make important business decisions. Read Now

  • Report: 78 Percent of CISOs Seeing Significant Impact from AI-Powered Cyber Threats

    Darktrace recently unveiled its 2025 State of AI Cybersecurity report. The findings reveal that 78% of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) surveyed say that AI-powered threats are having a significant impact on their organizations, a 5% increase1 from 2024. While an increasing number of CISOs report feeling a significant impact from AI threats, more than 60% now say that they are adequately prepared to defend against these threats, an increase of nearly 15% year-over-year. However, insufficient AI knowledge and skills and a shortage of personnel and talent continue to be listed as the two top inhibitors to a successful defense. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.