Google Cloud is making a big change in how users secure their accounts by requiring multi-factor authentication by the end of 2025. We’ll break down why Google is making this move, and how businesses can get ready for the rollout as we sit down and sync up with Rocket IT’s weekly technology update.

In this episode, you’ll hear more about:

• Google Cloud implementing a major security change.
• Google’s three phase plan to roll out MFA.
• How MFA adds an extra security step beyond just a password.
• How organizations can enable MFA now to get ahead of the requirement.

Video Transcript

Multi-factor authentication, or MFA, is an additional security step that goes beyond a simple password. Think of it as a two-step verification—after entering your password, you confirm your identity in another way, like with a fingerprint, an authentication code, or even facial recognition.

Google will begin rolling out mandatory MFA for Google Cloud users through 2025, with a phased approach so businesses have time to adjust. The process has already begun for some users, with Google notifying anyone still relying solely on passwords.

Google is helping users prepare by adding reminders and information in the Google Cloud Console and other platforms. Google is also giving businesses time to set up MFA gradually, notifying them in advance to make the transition easier.

Google’s rollout consists of three phases. Right now, Phase 1 is underway, encouraging users to start using MFA voluntarily. By early 2025, Phase 2 will make MFA required for anyone signing into Google Cloud with just a password. Finally, in Phase 3, by the end of 2025, MFA will be mandatory for all users, including users who use third-party identity providers.

So, why is Google taking this step? Its goal is to protect accounts from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. They point to research from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency which shows that MFA reduces the likelihood of an account hack by 99 percent. This new requirement is designed to make accounts more secure, especially as cloud services handle highly sensitive data.

If you’d like to get ahead of the change, you can enable MFA on your Google Cloud account today by visiting security.google.com, selecting 2-Step Verification, and following the steps provided.

As it stands, other cloud providers, like Microsoft, Dropbox, and AWS, also offer MFA but haven’t yet made it a requirement for all users. In turn, as Google sets this new security mandate, it likely won’t be long until other cloud providers follow suit.

For organizations looking to roll out MFA across their entire team, an IT provider can make a big difference. From managing setups to troubleshooting issues and providing ongoing support, Rocket IT is here to help your business adapt to these new security standards. For more information, contact us using the link in this video’s description. And to stay up to date on trending technology news, hit that subscribe button and the bell to catch us on next week’s episode of Sync Up with Rocket IT.