Better late than never: Nest adds two-factor authentication to protect device

By Lulu Chang March 7, 2017

nest two factor authentication camera indoor smart apartment header — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Your smart thermostat knows an awful lot about your home and now, you’re going to be able to rest a bit easier knowing that information is better protected. On Tuesday, Nest finally announced support for two-factor authentication, promising a “new layer of security” that will help your private information stay private.

You’re probably familiar with two-factor authentication: It’s a popular security measure that requires not only your password but your phone as well to access an account. So how will it work with Nest? In order to actually activate two-factor authentication, you will need to make your way over to the Nest app, tap the menu icon that appears at the top left of your screen, then find the category Account Security. There is now a new option to activate “2-step verification.” Once you’ve enabled it, you’ll need to re-sign in. As the company explained in a blog post, “The first time you sign into your Nest Account after activating two-factor authentication, you will type in your email and password as always, but then you’ll get a text with a verification code. Enter the code and you’re set.”

The latest update is a much-needed security improvement and one that has taken a surprisingly long time to come about. After all, two-factor authentication is nothing new and Nest’s parent company Google offered the security feature since 2010. When asked about the delay by Gizmodo, Nest had the following to say:

“From the beginning, Nest products have been designed and built with security in mind, and it’s a topic that we take seriously today. Nest is one of the first companies to offer two-factor authentication for smart home products, which is simply an option for customers who would like to take advantage of an additional layer of security for their Nest account. Ultimately, security is an ongoing effort requiring investment, monitoring, and innovation. Nest offers regular software updates and new features to continue to deliver the best experience to customers.”

In any case, better late than never. If you’re a Nest user, it’s probably time to turn on that extra layer of security.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…

Outdoors

Best lawn mower deals: Cordless, gas, electric and robotic

A robot lawn mower in a backyard while a family relaxes.

Taking care of your lawn is important, especially if you live somewhere with an HOA that has very strict rules and regulations about how high your lawn can get. Luckily, there are a lot of lawn mower options you can pick from, from cordless to gas-powered and even robot lawn mowers as well, if you want to save yourself the hassle. Whatever it is, we've gone out and collected our favorite deals across retailers to help save you a little bit extra cash.
Litheli 20-volt Cordless -- $170, was $190

Thanks to its brushless motor, capable of 4500 RPMs, you'll get significantly reduced vibration and noise when mowing, even the toughest of lawns. Pairing that with the five separate cutting heights, and a 13-inch blade, you'll see effective cuts on your blades of grass with near effortless labor behind it -- you don't have to work as hard to get an even and in-depth cut. The high-performance battery offers 25 minutes of runtime on a single charge with a lock-off button and trigger switch for safety. It's a great option for small to medium-sized yards. Even if your yard is bigger, you can grab an extra battery or two to extend the runtime.

Smart Home

Should you buy a new smart lock or retrofit your existing deadbolt?

Schlage Encode Plus smart lock installed on a wooden door to a living room.

When it comes to smart locks, all models essentially fall into two categories. The first category will be familiar to most people, as these are traditional smart locks built to replace your existing deadbolt. That means you'll get a whole new set of keys for your front door, as well as hardware that introduces smart features to your home.

The second kind of smart lock is a retrofit smart lock. These quirky devices are designed to fit over your existing hardware -- allowing you to keep using your old keys while also adding smart features. Both types of smart locks are great ways to upgrade your front door, but which is best for your home? Here's a closer look to help you decide if you should replace your traditional deadbolt with a smart lock or install a retrofit smart lock instead.
Consider your DIY skills

Smart Home

Best air fryer deals: As cheap as $25

The Costway 16-in-1 15-quart air fryer oven on a table with plates of food spread out around it.

Air fryers are probably some of the best smart kitchen appliances because they not only make frying a lot easier but can also keep you much healthier in the long run compared to a deep fryer. Some of the best air fryers on the market have a ton of great features, giving you the variety of doing things like rotisserie or even having dual baskets to fry two things at a time. So, if you're looking to grab yourself an air fryer, you may want to check out these air fryer deals; they're some of our favorites that we've collected from around the internet.
Bella Pro Series 4-quart digital air fryer — $40, was $70

The Bella Pro Series 4-quart digital air fryer is equipped with a 1,500-watt heating system with an adjustable cooking temperature of up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, which you can adjust through its digital touchscreen that also offers several preset cook modes. The air fryer offers enough capacity to cook meals for about four to six people, so it’s perfect for small families and intimate gatherings. The Bella Pro Series 4-quart digital air fryer also features a 60-minute automatic shut-off timer and a dishwasher-safe basket.