How to use or Google Authenticator
Table of Contents
Using two-factor authentication is essential to reinforce the security of your online accounts. However, it is important to note that when receiving authentication codes via text messages, you may still be subject to possible attacks.
For a more secure approach, it is recommended to use an authentication application such as Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator or the Twilio authy. When using an authentication app, multi-factor codes are available directly in the app instead of being sent via text message.
If you want to transition from a two-factor authentication process based on SMS messages to a more secure option, here's how to get started with Google Authenticator, what were the recent app updates and how to access your codes directly from the app itself.
What is Google Authenticator and how does it work
O Google Authenticator is an application for mobile devices, available for both Android how much for iOS, which generates temporary verification codes. These codes are used in conjunction with your regular password during the login process, adding an additional layer of security.
Some of its main features are:
- Two Factor Authentication: The Google Authenticator provides an additional layer of security through two-factor authentication, requiring an app-generated code in addition to the regular password to access an online account.
- Temporary code generation: The app generates temporary verification codes that are valid for a short period. These codes are used along with the password to authenticate the user's identity.
- offline operation: The Google Authenticator not relies on an internet connection to generate verification codes. This allows the application to be used even in places with weak or non-existent internet signal.
- Multiple account support: It is possible to add multiple online service accounts in the Google Authenticator. This lets you manage two-factor authentication for different platforms in a single application.
- Intuitive interface: The application has a simple and intuitive interface, facilitating the process of adding and managing accounts.
- account backup: The Google Authenticator allows you to backup the added accounts. This is useful if you lose or switch devices, as it allows you to transfer accounts to a new device without losing access.
- Support for QR codes and secret keys: It is possible to add accounts to the Google Authenticator through QR codes or by manually entering secret keys provided by online services.
- high security: The tool uses strong cryptographic algorithms to ensure the security of the generated verification codes and protect the added account information.
O Google Authenticator was created in 2010 by Google as a two-factor authentication solution. For the app to work on iOS, you must have the latest operating system version installed, and have at least one Iphone 3G, if necessary use QR codes. Already in Android, you need version 4.4 (KitKat) or higher to ensure proper functioning.
The authenticator of Google supports any site that uses the standard TOTP (Time-based One-Time Password). This means that the application is able to continuously generate codes, allowing you to use them when needed. This operation differs from the standard HOTP (Hash-based Message Authentication Code), where a code is generated specifically for you just once. Therefore, websites that use this method, most likely your banking application, are not compatible with Google Authenticator.
With Google Authenticator, you add an extra layer of protection to your online accounts, making them less vulnerable to cyberattacks. After all, having reinforced two-factor authentication is essential to preserve the security of your personal information and sensitive data.
How important is two-factor authentication?
Two-factor authentication, also known as two-step verification, plays a crucial role in securing online accounts. Adding an extra layer of security, this measure requires the user to provide not only their password, but also a second piece of information to confirm their identity during the login process.
Currently, two-step verification is widely adopted on various platforms such as social networks, emails and online stores. This practice is essential to hinder invasion attempts, preventing third parties from accessing and compromising the user's personal data.
While it may seem like a relatively new approach, it's important to note that this security measure has been around for a long time, even outside of the online environment, although we often don't pay attention to it.
A practical example of this approach is the use of biometric authentication, such as a fingerprint, at ATMs. In addition to entering the password, the user needs to provide his fingerprint to complete the transactions, ensuring, in theory, that only the account holder can carry out withdrawals at the self-service terminals.
Since not all devices can be equipped with biometric sensors, online services use different resources to ensure adequate levels of security. This may involve sending verification codes by message or confirmation through a previously registered physical device, which the user must have to grant access.
Another approach that has been gaining prominence, especially in banking apps, is two-step verification through selfies. Financial institutions such as BTG Pactual and C6 Bank, use this measure to confirm access on new devices or suspicious transactions identified by the application's algorithm.
Check out our two-factor authentication guides on major online services below:
- Google e gmail: how to enable two-step verification
- Facebook: how to enable two-step verification
- Learn how to use XNUMX-Step Verification Twitter
- Instagram: how to enable two-step verification
Services supported by Google Authenticator
Here is a list of popular services where you can use Google Authenticator as a two-factor authentication option:
- Google (including Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar)
- ecosystem (including Outlook, Xbox Live, Skype)
- Dropbox
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- GitHub
- Wordpress
- Evernote
- Slack
- TeamViewer
- TikTok
- Trello
- Coinbase
- Binance
How to use Google Authenticator?
- Step 1: First, you must download and install the application through your smartphone's application store, either on Play Store Device Android ou na App Store Device iOS.
- Step 2: Open the app and tap the “Let's Get Started” button. You will have the option to login with your Google or use the app without logging in. If you decide to log in, the Google Authenticator will save your two-factor authentication data for you.
- Step 3: The next step is to choose which online account you want to set up with the Google Authenticator. The websites you visit most often likely support multi-factor authentication through the app. Since Amazon e gmail to TikTok e Dropbox, the steps may vary slightly, but the overall process is essentially the same.
- Step 4: After selecting an account, the rest of the setup can go one of two ways. You can scan a QR code using your smartphone's camera or manually enter the code.
Services have a similar configuration. We will use the login process from Amazon for example.
- After logging into your account Amazon on a computer, click on your name in the menu at the top of the page, and access the option Account Log In.
- Then choose option Access and security.
- Then, click activate for two-factor authentication and Start on the next page. The pre-selected option you will see is to receive the codes via text message. Instead, choose the option for a Authentication Application.
- When you view a unit’s QR code on the computer screen, open the application Google Authenticator on your phone. Tap the plus sign in the bottom-right corner of the app, then tap Scan a QR code. Decide if you want to allow the app to access your camera; otherwise, you will need to enter the codes manually.
- Scan the barcode with your smartphone and an expiration code will be displayed in the app and will continue to be generated. Then enter the six-digit code into the laptop. Recognize that older devices may require a special login process for two-factor authentication codes (2FA) and complete the setup process.
What's New in Google Authenticator
In the past, a common criticism of the Google Authenticator was that all codes were restricted to a single phone. If you lost your device on a night out with friends or it was stolen, it could be difficult or even impossible to access your connected accounts.
Also, when upgrading your phone, it was a cumbersome task to scan all the QR codes for your websites and services, or export and import them to your new device, and set everything up again. However, the Google recently made some improvements in that regard. You can now sync your Google Authenticator codes with your Google account. Google.
When you open the app, you'll see a green cloud icon with a check mark in the top right corner next to your profile picture, indicating that your codes are synced. It's important to note that you need to be logged into your account to use this feature.
If you were using the Google Authenticator without logging in, you will need to log in to store the information in your account or export and import the data on new devices in the conventional way.
Security is also in the hands of the user
Protecting our identity online is of paramount importance, especially in the face of increased security breaches and cyberattacks. ransomware. In this context, the adoption of additional security methods, such as two-factor authentication, becomes essential.
However, it is essential to understand that this measure is not infallible. blows of Phishing increasingly sophisticated can trick even the most cautious users into disclosing their two-factor authentication credentials.
To ensure solid security, it's critical to follow online protection best practices. This includes creating strong passwords e Exclusive for each account, avoiding the use of obvious personal information. Also, it is important to avoid clicking suspicious links or open attachments of unknown origin, as well as keep the devices and programs always updated.
By taking these preventive measures, we will be strengthening our online security and protecting our personal data more effectively.
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Source: Google, Wired, Everythingsecured
reviewed by Glaucon Vital in 15 / 5 / 23.
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