Google has now apparently updated Google Apps with a two-factor authentication option enabling enterprises to protect their accounts by delivering via a mobile phone a one time code as an addition to their password.

According to Peter Sayer of PC World, the new option supplied by Google delivers additional protection against the likes of malware and phishing attacks as the one time codes have a limited life span according to the director of security for Goole Apps, Eran Feigenbaum.

Apparently Google will deliver authentication codes via voice meaasage or SMS andf the SMS service is a free service in nineteen countries which include the US, UK, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Denmark, and Australia.

Authentication codes can also be generated locally by utilising Google Authenticator which is a smartphone app and is also free and available from the Android Market, the iPhone App Store as Apple has already approved the Google app, and BlackBerry App World.