New Security Tools from Google to Safeguard Accounts

Google has announced new security tools designed to simplify the account recovery process in case of hacking or password loss. The key innovation is the Recovery Contacts feature, which allows users to designate trusted individuals — friends or family members — who can verify their identity and assist in regaining control of their account.

This feature is available for personal Google accounts and can be found in the Security section. While the company does not disclose specific technical details of the verification process, it emphasizes that this is a "simple and secure way to regain access when standard methods fail".

Another new addition is the Sign in with Mobile Number feature. This Android-specific functionality allows users to automatically identify their Google account using the linked phone number. It will be useful for those who have lost their device and are trying to recover access on a new smartphone. Instead of entering a password, the system will prompt for the screen lock code from the previous device.

The updates are part of a broader strategy by the company to enhance user protection against fraud and hacking attempts. Other new tools include warnings in Google Messages about potentially dangerous links in spam messages and the Key Verifier, which helps verify contacts and avoid fakes.