Google buys sound authentication firm SlickLogin

Google has acquired SlickLogin – an Israeli start-up behind the technology that allows websites to verify a user’s identity by using sound waves.

It works by playing a uniquely generated, nearly-silent sound through computer speakers, which is picked up by an app on the user’s smartphone.

The app analyses the sound and sends a signal back to confirm the identity.

The technology can be used either as a replacement for a password or as an additional security layer.

SlickLogin confirmed the acquisition on its website but did not provide any financial details of the deal.

“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,” the firm said in a statement.

“Google was the first company to offer two-step verification to everyone, for free – and they’re working on some great ideas that will make the internet safer for everyone.”