Ring, Amazon's video doorbell system, has launched a mandatory two-factor verification, following issues with privacy protection and data sharing.
In order for Ring users to log in to their accounts, they will need to undergo a mandatory two-factor verification, which involves entering a password and a unique six-digit code. The company also announced that it will halt its data sharing with third-party firms.
The initiative comes amidst criticism faced by Ring and Amazon over privacy protection and data sharing. A recent BBC report revealed Amazon's extensive level of data collection.
Ring president Leila Rouhi wrote in a blog post that the firm takes "digital security and privacy seriously" and would look at additional ways to improve security.
Similar to other two-factor authentication processes, Ring's new log-in system will involve signing in with a username and password and then the app will ask to send a text message or email with a one-time six-digit code.
Once the code is entered, users will now have access to the app and to footage from outdoor and indoor cameras. They will be able to use the app for 30 days before another authentication process will be initiated.
The new authentication step will also apply to access to web services and its app, including the Neighbors app where Ring users can share video footage.
Even prior to the announcement, Ring users had the option to initiate a two-factor authentication but it was not the default setting. This is why some critics mentioned how users were able to log in from a new device without asking for additional verification.
This means that hackers would only need the login ID and password in order to gain access to a user's Ring footage. Experts pointed out that since many people use the same login credentials for multiple accounts, using just a password is not entirely secure.
