US judge blocks Trump’s asylum ban, rules ıt exceeds executive authority
A federal judge has halted President Donald Trump’s controversial asylum ban at the US-Mexico border, ruling that the move oversteps his executive p...
Mountain View, CA, February 24, 2025 – In a move to bolster account security and curb global SMS abuse, Google is set to phase out its SMS-based two-factor authentication (2FA) option for Gmail users, according to a report by Forbes.
For years, Gmail users have been able to verify their identities by receiving a text message containing a code. However, inherent vulnerabilities in SMS—such as SIM swapping and interception - have prompted Google to seek more secure alternatives.
“The goal is to reduce the impact of rampant, global SMS abuse,” said Ross Richendrfer, a Gmail spokesperson, as quoted by Forbes. Under the new system, users will see a QR code on their screen that must be scanned with their smartphone to complete the authentication process.
The switch to QR code verification means that while users will still need to rely on their smartphones, they will no longer be subject to the security risks associated with SMS messages. Criminals have exploited SMS verification in various ways, including convincing carriers to port numbers to new devices or generating revenue through “traffic pumping” schemes.
This strategic shift is part of a broader industry trend toward stronger authentication methods. While Google, along with other tech companies, ultimately envisions a future where passkeys and passwordless systems become the norm, the transition is expected to be gradual. In the meantime, enhancing the security of existing processes remains a priority.
Google has not yet announced a specific timeline for ending SMS-based 2FA, but the update is anticipated to roll out over the coming months. The company’s decision underscores the need for constant innovation in cybersecurity as cyber threats continue to evolve.
By replacing SMS with QR code-based authentication, Google aims to offer a more secure and robust verification method while maintaining user convenience—a key factor as companies worldwide work to protect personal data in an increasingly digital age.
The U.S. economy faces a 40% risk of recession in the second half of 2025, JP Morgan analysts said on Wednesday, citing rising tariffs and stagflation concerns.
A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck off Japan’s Tokara Islands on Wednesday, with no tsunami warning issued but residents advised to remain vigilant.
China has ramped up efforts to protect communities impacted by flood control measures, introducing stronger compensation policies and direct aid from the central government.
Severe rain in Venezuela has caused rivers to overflow and triggered landslides, sweeping away homes and collapsing a highway bridge, with five states affected and no casualties reported so far.
The European Commission is set to propose allowing carbon credits from other countries to count towards the EU’s 2040 climate target, according to a leaked internal document.
Europe’s new-generation weather satellite, Meteosat Third Generation-Sounder 1 (MTG-S1), successfully launched into space from the U.S. Cape Canaveral base.
Over the past year, 162 asteroids flew closer to Earth than the Moon. NASA and ESA warn only 40% of dangerous objects have been identified, with one asteroid posing a small risk of hitting the Moon in 2032.
A Chinese firm has launched what it claims is the country’s first 24/7 intelligent laser weeding robot, aiming to phase out chemical herbicides and cut agricultural pollution at its source.
Set on top of Chile’s Cerro Pachón mountain, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory will soon embark on a ten-year survey, using cutting-edge technology to uncover new secrets of the universe.
Scientists at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences have identified a genetic 'dimmer switch' that controls how genes turn on and off during embryo formation, offering insights for future therapies.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment