Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) is rolling out two-factor authentication for Gmail and its other free services. First made available to Google Apps customers in September last year, Google says the same "two-step verification" feature will be rolled out to all users over the next few days. Once set up, the use of two-factor authentication is expected to greatly enhance security for users, due to the additional requirement of a one-time code when logging in.

This one-time code will be transmitted using another route using either text message or a voice call to a predetermined contact number. As noted by Nishit Shah, a product manager for Google Security: "A hacker would need access to both of these factors to gain access to your account." For convenience, users do have the option to "remember verification for this computer" to avoid having to re-enter the code for the next 30 days. In addition, users can also set up one-time passwords for non-browser applications or email clients that can only accept passwords.

The two-step feature can be enabled at the "Personal Settings" page for your Google account. Click on "Using 2-step verification" and follow the procedure to enable your account's two-factor authentication. I tried to enable the feature, but it seems that it has yet to reach my Google account. Do give it a try though; I would love to hear how it went for you.

For more on this story:
- check out this article at The Register
- check out this article at eWeek
- check out this article at SC Magazine

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