Google takes two-step verification global

Google has again expanded the reach of its two-step verification service, which makes logging into the company's services more secure.

On Thursday, Google Security product manager Nishit Shah said in a blog post that the feature was now available in 40 languages and in over 150 countries.

"There's never been a better time to set it up: examples in the news of password theft and data breaches constantly remind us to stay on our toes and take advantage of tools to properly secure our valuable online information," Shah wrote.

The two-factor authentication service was first rolled out to Google Apps business users in September last year, then extended to all Google Apps users in February.

Google's two-step verification system lets people use their phone as a means of getting a verification code — by voice or text or through the Google Authentication app — that they can then use as an extra measure of security on top of their standard Google Account login.

Shah pointed out in his blog post that the extra security measure can help combat the risks posed by reused passwords, as well as malware and phishing scams.