The iPhone can in turn be used as a security key to connect to Google | iGeneration

07/05/2022 By gifsauce 855 Views

Google offers to use an Android smartphone as a security key to connect to its services. It's exactly the same principle as physical security keys, such as Yubikeys, which act as a second factor for the sites and services that support them, instead of an SMS or code generated by an app. . Instead of buying another product, a smartphone can do the trick.

This function is no longer reserved for Android terminals: iPhones can now benefit from it too. The latest version of the Google Smart Lock app leverages the secure enclave found in every iPhone since 5S to store login credentials without risk. Once configured, your iPhone can identify itself via Bluetooth as a security key, and unlock access to your Google account.

This is the main limitation of this solution, compared to dedicated keys, it only works to reinforce security during your connections to the Google account used during configuration. On the other hand, it works everywhere, on computers as well as on all smartphones and all tablets. For computers, it is absolutely necessary to use Chrome to benefit from the function.

L’iPhone peut à son tour servir de clé de sécurité pour se connecter à Google | iGeneration

On an iPad, you'll need to install the Google Smart Lock ¹ app and it's the one that will link to your iPhone's secure enclave. The app will also link with the browser of your choice to transmit the validation, including with Safari if you want to use it.

This system is simpler on a computer, since everything is done between Chrome and Google Smart Lock installed on the iPhone. If you rely heavily on the Google ecosystem, this solution may be attractive, if not as universal as generic security keys. Which are better supported with iOS 13.3.