2 Step Authentication

2 step authentication is a perfect way to make sure your Google account is not hijacked by anyone else. With the recent Google Phising scam that I sent out yesterday, those people who did have 2 step authentication did not have to worry about their account being taken over even if they did click on the link and enter their information.

How 2 step authentication works. When you log into your Google account for the first time, it will require you to enter a verification code that Google will give you. This only needs to be completed once per device.   You can also set up an app on your phone called Authenticator to do the 2 step authentication. This is good to have set up if you are in an area where cell phone reception is poor. The authenticator app does not rely on a cell phone signal.  There is also an option to print out backup codes that do not require a cell phone.

PART A:

How to TURN ON 2 step authentication.

https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/185839?source=gsearch&hl=en

1. Access Account Settings: Go to your Google Account settings page in a browser or click your profile icon in Gmail/Chrome and choose "Manage your Google Account".

2. Navigate to Security: Select the Security tab from the left or top menu.

3. Locate 2-Step Verification: Under the "How you sign in to Google" section, find and click on 2-Step Verification.

4. Turn On: Click "Get Started" and follow the on-screen instructions.

5. Set Up Methods: You will be prompted to enter a phone number to receive SMS codes. Other options include:

Google Prompts

A pop-up notification on your mobile device.

Authenticator App

A code generator app.

6. **Verify & Activate: Verify your phone number with the code Google sends, then click "Turn on".** 

PART B (optional):

After you turn on 2 step authentication, you can set up these alternative methods to authenticate your account if you do not want to use the cell phone push notification.

**No cell phone signal needed** Recommended Method

Install the Authenticator App to have a code on your phone for 2 step authentication

Directions for Authenticator app

https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/1066447?hl=en

**NO cell phone needed**

You can also print out a list of codes on paper to use. This eliminates the need for a cell phone altogether.

Directions on how to use backup codes.

https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/1187538?hl=en

What to do if your browser is requiring 2 Step Authentication every time you open your browser

To put the default setting back, do the following:

Open Chrome

Click on the 3 dots in the upper right and select settings

Click on Privacy and security from the navigation on the left

Navigate to Site Settings 

Select Additional Content Settings from the menu 

Click on On-device Site Data 

Select the option to Allow sites to save data on your device