Two-factor authentication (also known as 2FA) is a method of confirming a user’s claimed identity by utilizing a combination of two different components. These components may be something that the user knows, something that the user possesses or something that is inseparable from the user. The classic example is a bank ATM card and the pin number the owner of the card knows. Two-factor authentication is also called Multi-factor authentication (Office 365 uses this term). More companies are offering this service to secure your account. Apple, Google, Yahoo, Amazon, Microsoft, Instagram, Linkedin, GoDaddy, Dropbox, WordPress, Squareup and many other services call this service Two-Step Verification. Twitter calls this Login Verification. Facebook calls this Login Approvals. Probably your bank has implemented Two-Factor authentication.
For a complete list of web sites and services offering Two-Factor Authorization go to Two Factor Auth (2FA).
Enabling Two-factor authentication makes your service way more secure than simply using a password. What are the odds that a hacker knows your password and has your mobile device? 2-Step Verification can help keep hackers out, even if they have your password! Google has made it very simple to implement and enable 2-Step Verification. Connectech recommends you use 2-Step Verification. Watch this short video that explains how to set up 2-Step Verification for Google services:
Google Provides Choices on How to Receive Verification Codes for 2-Step Verification
Google Authenticator App
If you own Android, iPhone, or a Blackberry, you can use the Google Authenticator app to receive codes even if you don’t have an Internet connection or mobile service. You can download the Google Authenticator app from Google Play or the Apple App Store. Follow the instructions from Google on how to set this up on your smartphone.
Google Backup Codes
If you lose your phones or otherwise can’t receive codes via SMS, voice call, or Google Authenticator, you can use backup codes to sign in. These codes are available on your Accounts overview page and were first offered to you at the end of the 2-Step Verification setup. You can also use these codes to sign in if you don’t have your Security Key. Follow these instructions from Google on how to obtain backup codes.
Google USB Security Key
If you prefer you can use your USB port and a Security Key Google provides to log into your device. To see if this solution works for you, read this page.
If you need assistance in setting up Two-factor authentication for your devices, contact us.