Google 2-Step Verification
Overview
Two-Step Verification adds an additional layer of security to Google accounts. The 2-Step verification reduces the chance that an unauthorized user will gain access to your account.
Google has offered 2-Step verification for years, but they’ve recently decided to make it a requirement and have begun automatically enrolling personal @gmail.com users in 2-Step verification. The Town of Brookline is following Google’s recommendation and will turn on 2-Step verification for all users with a @psbma.org Google account.
It's not just about your mail and documents. The increased security benefits everyone. Hackers use account credentials to access other accounts or pose as users to scam money from family, friends, or coworkers. An additional layer of security ensures that even after a password breach, unauthorized users will not be able to access your account. Two factor authentication helps build a safer internet for all. Google has reported a 50% decrease in accounts being compromised among the 150 million users who have implemented 2-Step verification.
Many Brookline staff members have been using the 2-Step verification for some time now with very few issues. The setup process is quick and Google offers several options for verifying your account.
The Two Steps
After setting up the verification you’ll new 2 things to log into your account:
1. Something you know-Password
2. Something you have-phone or codes
Trusted Devices
Google allows users to mark devices as “trusted”. Trusted devices will not require the 2-Step verification for every login. It’s very important to only label devices that no one else uses as “trusted”.
Users don’t have to use the 2-Step verification if they use a trusted device. It’s recommended that users have a trusted home device and a school device. If users need to log on to other computers, then it’s advised that they carry their phone and make use of the Google Prompts verification (see below)
Turn on Verification
Open your Google Account.
In the navigation panel, select Security.
Under “Signing in to Google,” select 2-Step Verification
Verify it’s you with a second step. Use Google Prompts [Recommended]:
Google recommends that you use Google Prompts. It’s the easiest and fastest way to verify your account. It’s also the default setting for 2-Step verification. When you sign in to your Google Account on a computer or mobile device, you can tap a notification to verify that it’s you. Details on the device being logged into are shown.
Google Prompts works on Android Devices and iPhones. You must be logged into your @psbma.org account in the Gmail App on the device.
See complete instructions below.
Other Verification Options
Google Authenticator App
The Authenticator app runs on Android and iOS devices. The app generates one-time verification codes. Google Authenticator can work without an internet connection.
Google Authenticator is a free and safe app that can be downloaded here:
Backup Codes
Users can print out a set of 10 back codes. The codes can each be used once. New sets of 10 codes can be generated. This option works well when users don’t have access to a phone. However, the codes must be stored securely.
Voice or Text message
Google will send verification codes via text or in an automated phone call to a specified phone number. These options are technically not as secure as other methods since they are vulnerable to phone number based hacks.
No Cell Phone Method
For those who do not have or want to use a cell phone in anyway, we recommend the printable backup code option. To get to the backup code option:
Turn on 2-Step Verification (see instructions below)
Select "Show More Options "(Step 5 in slideshow)
Select "Phone" and enter a landline number (This could be your classroom phone number) and choose phone call.
The secondary option will present the Backup Codes. Choose these, print, and store safely in your wallet.
