Google acquires sound authentication start-up SlickLogin

Google has snapped up sound authentication start-up SlickLogin for an undisclosed sum.

The Israeli firm's technology allows users to log into websites via a sound-based system. This could potentially do away with the need for passwords or provide an alternative way of delivering two-factor authentication services.

To make it work, a website would emit a randomly generated sound through a device's speakers, which would be analysed by a user's phone app, and then verify your identity with the site's servers.

The company's technology has yet to be launched.

The deal was confirmed in a post on the SlickLogin website over the weekend, where the company fleshed out its reasons for joining the Google family.

"We started SlickLogin because security measures had become overly complicated and annoying...So we set out to improve security while still making it simple for people to log in," the post said.

"Today we're announcing that the SlickLogin team is joining Google, a company that shares our core beliefs that logging in should be easy instead of frustrating, and authentication should be effective without getting in the way.

"Google was the first company to offer two-step verification for everyone, for free and they're working on some great ideas that will make the internet safe for everyone. We couldn't be more excited to join their efforts," the post concluded.

The terms of the deal have not been disclosed. At the time of writing it was also unclear if the SlickLogin team would be moving over to Google, or if the company would be absorbed into another of the search giant's business units or remain a standalone entity.

IT Pro contacted Google for further clarification on the deal, but had not received a response at the time of writing.