Google 2-Step Verification

Use of 2-Step Verification for Bryan College of Health Sciences Google accounts will become mandatory on May 16, 2024. Please turn it on now to ensure continued access to your account. 

Google 2-Step Verification is a two-step authentication service that provides a second layer of protection for Bryan College of Health Sciences accounts. The use of Google 2-Step increases security of passwords and password-protected data, network application data, intellectual property, and other important information held within student, faculty and staff accounts. Enabling Google 2-Step is the single-most effective measure towards protecting your Bryan College of Health Sciences Google account. 

The college requires all students, faculty and staff to enroll in Google 2-Step Verification on their college account within 7 days of account activation.You sign in with something you know (your password) and something you have (a phone or other device, a security “key,” or special codes accessed only by you).

More information can be found in the Google 2-Step Verification FAQ.

Using 2-Step Verification does not have to be difficult or time consuming. Several login options are available after you enter your password:

• Google Prompt – the easiest method to log in. Google Prompt will prompt the user with a “Trying to sign in?” notification. Simply select “Yes” or “No.”

• Authenticator app – great for travel, this app works even when offline or in airplane mode. The app continuously generates new codes that you can use to log in. Apps include Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, Authy or Duo.

• Text Message – a user receives a text message with a temporary code used to log in. This method is dependent on having cell service.

• Backup Codes – print a list of “one-time use” backups codes.

• Security Key – users that don’t have or don’t want to use a phone can leave a USB security key inserted in their computer. 2-Step Verification will authenticate as long at the USB key is tapped with a “one-touch” at the prompt.

You can enable Google 2-Step Verification on your account as follows. Note that you will need an iPhone or Android phone with either the Gmail app, YouTube, or Google app installed in order to use the 2-Step Verification “yes/no” push feature (known as Google prompts).

For more detailed instructions, please see Google’s online documentation on how to turn 2-Step Verification.

1. Log into your BCHS Google account from a web browser and click on either the “waffle” menu (the 9-dot square icon near the top right corner of your browser) and select “Account“, or click on the circle account icon in the top right corner and select “Manage your Google Account”.

2. Once you are at the Account page, click “Security” from the left hand menu.

3. On the Security page, in the “Signing in to Google” section, click on “2-Step Verification“, then click “Get Started“.

4. You may be asked to verify your identity by entering your password before continuing, then click Continue.

5. There are a few different options you can use for a second step. We recommend you use Google prompts as your primary second factor, but that you set up multiple verification methods for increased protection against phishing, or in the case that you can’t get Google prompts or lose your phone. Prompts will be sent directly to any device where you are signed in. Just tap the notification to review and sign in. This is the easiest way to help protect your account

You can also tap Show more options to see other steps available to you. Other than Google prompts, you can set up the following options as your second factor. Then click Continue.

6. After you have completed the above steps and added 2-Step Verification to your Google account you will have the option to add another smart phone or landline phone as a backup to receive voice or text messages. You can also download one-time use emergency codes in the rare event that you don’t have your smartphone, don’t have a signal to receive the “push” notifications, or are not near your backup landline phone. To add a phone number as a backup option in case your second step is unavailable, verify your number. Tap Send to get a code via text message. Enter the code and tap Next.

7. Review the options you’ve set up and the device or devices you’ll be signed in on. Then tap Turn on. 

Now that Google 2-Step Verification is enabled, you may occasionally be prompted for a 2nd factor of authentication when logging into your Google account. When this happens, after entering your email address and password as usual, you will see a page that asks you to open the Gmail, YouTube, or Google application on your smartphone. Opening any of those apps on your phone will bring up a 2-Step verification prompt where you can select “yes” to proceed with login.