This site may earn chapter commissions from the links on this page. Terms of use.

Yous certainly have measures to make sure no one breaks into your abode, but someone breaking into your critical online accounts can be about as bad. Google has added a new layer of security to account logins that seems at starting time like it could be a security trouble of its own. Starting now, Google requires JavaScript in society to log into your account via a web browser. Google says it'due south for your own good, though.

If you attempt to sign into Google without JavaScript, you'll but get an error message explaining that "The browser you're using doesn't support JavaScript." In reality, yous've probably simply turned it off. Yous'll have to turn it on, switch to another browser, or only access your Google account via mobile apps. You lot can plough JavaScript back off afterwards you've logged in, though.

JavaScript is an integral part of the modern web, but information technology can also introduce new security threats. However, Google says it doesn't recollect there volition be a major issue — just 0.1 percent of Google users shut JavaScript off. A lot of sites are entirely broken without JavaScript, and so Google is far from alone here.

Google says its utilize of JavaScript tin can help go along your account safety even before you lot've logged in. The mysterious "assessment" utilizes JavaScript to discover suspicious behavior that could point your account details take been compromised. Google isn't talking nigh what exactly it's looking for in the assessment, and it likely won't provide more details. Information technology'south ameliorate the internet ne'er-do-wells don't know how Google secures accounts. Presumably, it has something to practice with how text is entered.

The error bulletin that appears if you try to log into your account without JavaScript.

Alongside the new JavaScript-authenticated sign-ins, Google as well added tools to alert yous to potential security problems after you've logged in. In that location's an automated security checkup that suggests ways to harden your business relationship. For example, information technology might recommend activating two-factor authentication or making certain your mobile devices have a secure lock screen enabled. Google likewise has a revamped account verification organisation in the outcome someone does gain access. You tin run into what account settings take inverse and cheque activeness on payment methods in your account.

The JavaScript and new security monitoring tools started rolling out to all accounts on Oct. 31, which wasn't only Halloween. It was also the concluding 24-hour interval of Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

Now read: Google Is Making Android Security Updates Mandatory, Facebook Admits Its New Portal Device Is Just Another Style to Spy on You, and Google Volition Amend Linux in Chrome OS with Folder Sharing and More