Google ‘s Nest products can be the centerpiece of security for your home and now they are getting an upgrade. Google today reported in a blog post that Nest products now qualify for the Advanced Protection Program.
Google Advanced Protection Program is designed to give anyone at “high risk” of being abused online an extra layer of protection. It involves business executives, politics, and journalists too. Advanced Security affects all of Google’s products, including Nest, from Gmail to Chrome to Android.
Previously Nest was absolutely blocked by the Advanced Protection Program from being used with a Google account.
The introduction of Advanced Protection Program support was obviously a “top request” from Nest users. That’s possibly partly thanks to the growing target that smart home devices have become for those with malicious intent. Nest hasn’t been immune to security problems like repeated passwords in the last few years. Other initiatives, such as mandating two-factor authentication, have enhanced Nest ‘s security, but this latest step further helps.
Today we’re announcing one of the top requests we’ve received: to bring the Advanced Protection Program to Nest. Now people can seamlessly use their Google Accounts with both Advanced Protection and Google Nest devices — previously, a user could use their Google Account on only one of these at a time.
Google does warn, however, that if a Nest user shares the “home” with other users who lack that degree of protection, some of the improved security that comes from the Advanced Protection Program may be compromised. A topic support page reads:
Yes, Nest works with Google Accounts, including accounts that are enrolled in the Advanced Protection Program. To help you manage all your Google Nest and Google Home devices, you can migrate your Nest Account to a Google Account.
To help keep your Google Nest and Google Home devices secure, follow these tips:
1. Only add home members you trust. Keep in mind that:
• Any home member can access devices, media services, addresses, and home activity.
• Home members can add new devices to your home.
• Home members can add or remove other home members, including you. Any time a member is added to your home, all home members will get an email notification.
2. If your Google Account is enrolled in Advanced Protection, we strongly recommend that all home members enroll in Advanced Protection. That way, all home members are equally protected against unauthorized access to their Google Account and home devices or services.
