Google drops Bluetooth Titan Security Key in the Consideration of NFC Versions

Google drops Bluetooth Titan Security Key in the Consideration of NFC Versions

Google is abandoning the Bluetooth Titan Security Key to focus on security keys with Near Field Communication (NFC) functionality. As part of this move, Google has also revealed a new Titan Security Key with USB-C and NFC to go along with the previously available USB-A + NFC security key.

Google’s Titan Security Keys were first introduced in 2018 and are designed to permit users to prevent their Google accounts takeover possibilities using credentials hijack in data breaches or the various phishing attacks. The process with the most well-known devices, browsers, and an increasing number of applications that come with FIDO standard support.

Sale of USB-A and USB-C NFC Keys will start tomorrow!

“From NFC working is now supported across a huge range of Android phones and iPhone, we are abandoning the Bluetooth Titan Security Key and focusing on the easier and more widely available NFC capability,” said Christiaan Brand, The Product Manager of Google Cloud.

“However, for current users with our Bluetooth Titan Security Keys, these will continue to work with Bluetooth and will continue to work as an NFC Key on most updated mobile devices.” The organization will also constantly service existing Bluetooth Titan Security Keys until they are out of warranty.

Initiating from August 10, Google will only offer the USB-A and USB-C NFC version of Titan Security Keys, with the USB-A (which again comes with USB-A to USB-C adapter) to sell for $30 and the USB-C+NFC key to be priced at $35.

Users can pursue this simple guide to buy a Titan Security Key for their device:

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  • If you have a computer with USB-A ports, we suggested you get the USB-A + NFC security key
  • If you have a computer with USB-C ports, we suggested you get the USB-C + NFC security key
  • If you have an iPad with a USB-C connector, then you can use USB-C Titan Security Key
  • If you have an iPad with a lightning connector, it’s suggested you get the USB-A Titan Security Key with an Apple Lightning adapter

How to Work with Google’s Advanced Protection Program?

“Paired with our Advanced Protection Program and its industry-leading automatic protections, the Titan Security Key remains one of the best ways to preserve your Google Account safe,” Brand said.

APP permits the high-risk or regular users to defend their accounts from state-sponsored spear-phishing trials with a more protected login procedure needing them to utilize security keys or smartphones to verify their identity.

Google suggests anyone at risk of targeted online attacks, including but not limited to business leaders, journalists, activists, and IT administrators, to enroll in Advanced Protection as the most accessible defense against account takeover trials with the help of additional identity checks.

Advanced Security administrates all of the following protections at once, automatically overriding same and manually configured settings:

  • Strong authentication with security keys
  • Use of security codes with security keys (as needed)
  • Restrictions on third-party access to account data
  • Deep Gmail scans
  • Google Safe Browsing protection in Chrome (when users are signed in to Chrome using the same identity as their Advanced Protection Program identity)
  • Account recovery through admin         

There is a lot more information provided by Google on how security keys can help protect you from various phishing attacks on the Titan Security Key Product pages.     

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