What is two-step verification?
Two-step verification adds an extra layer of security to your account. Think in terms of withdrawing cash from an ATM — you must insert your card and enter a personal identification number. In the case of a Google account, with two-step verification enabled, you must enter a password and a code that is sent to your phone by call or text, or through an authenticator app on your phone.
Although it will now require extra steps to access your Google account, two-step verification is invaluable. Using two methods to authenticate who you effectively doubles your account security, and makes sure you're only able to log in if you have both the right password and a valid authentication token. It is still recommended to change your current Google password if you haven't already. Without further ado, let's enable two-step verification
- Click on your profile picture in the upper-right hand corner and click “My Account.” From your account page, choose “Sign-in & security.”
- Select “2-Step Verification” under “Password & sign-in method.”
- At this point, before you make log-in changes to your account, Google may ask you to enter your password and sign in again.
- Now you can set up 2FA. Click “Get started.”
- Enter your mobile phone number. You’ll need to be able to receive text messages and/or voice calls at this number. Choose which you’d prefer and click “Try it.”
- Soon after you click, you should receive a text or call with your code. Enter just the numbers, without the “G-” prefix, and click “Next.”
- Click “Turn on.”
Now you’ll be back at Google’s 2-Step Verification settings page, where you can set up an “alternative” second factor in case you cannot receive texts/calls. Keep in mind that the general default option of receiving codes via SMS is vulnerable to interception by your telecom and others and is less secure than other available methods. Google’s Authenticator app is one popular choice: it generates free, one-time passwords and is supported by a range of services, including Facebook, Dropbox, and Microsoft.
How to prepare your account for the Google Authenticator app on Android
Click on this link from your computer to get started.
Click on Switch to app.
Click on Android.
Click Continue. You will now see a barcode on your computer screen. Keep this barcode on your screen and continue with the steps below.
Tap the Play Store on the Home screen of your Android phone.
Type in Google Authenticator in the search bar.
Tap the Search button.
Tap the Google Authenticator app. It's the result by Google Inc.
Tap the Install button.
Tap the Accept button.
Tap the Open button when the download is complete.
Tap on Begin Setup.
Tap on Scan a barcode.
Scan the barcode visible on your computer screen.
Tap on Open browser.
Tap on OK.
Now, instead of getting a text or voice message with a verification code,
you will use a unique code in the Google Authenticator app every time you log in to your Google account on any device.
This code changes every 30 seconds, and when you use it, it has to match the current code that Google is expecting for that time window.
Anyone attempting to access your account who doesn't have your phone in their hands will not receive the code and will thus be unable to log in.
Safety first, everyone!
Demonstration
Demonstration
Conclusion
Even though your Google account might have been spared this time, there is no telling when another hack or leak can occur.
Any service that offers two-step verification should be taken advantage of, as it essentially puts a firm stop to unverified access attempts. Stay safe!
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