Google's Advanced Protection Program gains support for native iPhone & iPad apps

Google's Advanced Protection Program — intended strictly for people needing maximum account security, such as journalists, activists, and politicians — now supports iOS' core Mail, Calendar, and Contacts apps.

The upgrade means that iPhone and iPad owners wanting Advanced Protection can use Google services outside of that company's official iOS apps. The program normally blocks any non-Google software from accessing data.

Enrolled customers must sign into Apple's apps using a Google account, at which point they'll receive details on how to complete their login.

Advanced Protection forces the use of a physical Security Key to sign into an account on a new device, or after an existing device has been logged out. Account recovery in general is more complex, making it harder for attackers to impersonate users and seize control.

The system is not at all intended for the public, since it not only costs extra money but disables two-step verification, which is typically more convenient and secure enough for the average person.

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13 Comments

viclauyyc

said about 5 years ago

It will only work if google won’t willingly provide customer information to the government to “comply local law”. Eg, China and Russia.

nunzy

said about 5 years ago

Nobody should trust Google with security. They sell your info to the highest bidder.

Royfb

said about 5 years ago

Why does Google's UI try to look like iOS 7? :|

racerhomie3

said about 5 years ago

viclauyyc said:

It will only work if google won’t willingly provide customer information to the government to “comply local law”. Eg, China and Russia.

Google is banned in China.

gatorguy

said about 5 years ago

viclauyyc said:

It will only work if google won’t willingly provide customer information to the government to “comply local law”. Eg, China and Russia.

China would be of zero concern. Not entirely sure if Google would comply with a legal order to disclose information to Russia but I might assume they would just as Apple does. Now with that explained I don't think you looked into what this is actually intended for anyway. If you are in the target audience it might be worth looking into since for the intended purpose it's a great program. Certainly not for the general public tho since it's extra steps, places limits on or blocks certain services and just not as convenient overall if you don't need that level of protection from hacks and online threats. The hardware key (I use one for a particular account) is a biggie since it always needs to be with you to sign in to the account.
https://landing.google.com/advancedprotection/