Advanced Gmail 2-step Verification settings: Google has supported two-factor authentication for more than five years now, but the search giant is making it a little easier to use this week.
Better Security by Google: Advanced Gmail 2-Step Verification Setting
Two-factor authentication (or 2-step verification as google calls it) is an effective way to secure online accounts, but many users avoid enabling the feature just to save themselves from irritation of receiving and typing a six-digit code that takes their 10 to 15 extra seconds.
Now, Google has made the 2-Step Verification (2FV) process much easier for its users, allowing you to log in with just a single tap instead of typing codes.
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Usually, the two-factor authentication (or 2-step verification, as Google calls it), works as follows: When you log into your Google account from a new computer, you need to enter an additional 6-character code that’s sent to your previously approved phone.
Now, Google just added a new option to its 2-step verification called as Google Prompt, the feature that makes this much easier: Instead of typing a code, you’ll just have to unlock your phone and confirm your identity with a single tap.
That is, new Google Prompt requires just a simple yes/no to approve a log-in and is built right into Android and iOS.
And it just brings up a simple dialogue featuring your name, profile image, and the specific city and device you’re trying to log-in from. Underneath, there is a simple “No, deny sign-in” or “Yes, allow sign-in” to approve the sign-in request.
On Android, the Google Prompt is built into Google Play Services and on iOS, it requires the Google Search app. Users on iOS will likely receive a simple notification directing them to open the Google app, while on Android the prompt could just pop-up as a system dialogue. As it’s a part of Play Services, virtually all Android users will now have very easy access to two-step verification.
Why You Need it:
It’s easier than you think for someone to steal your password
Any of these common actions could put you at risk of having your password stolen:
- Using the same password on more than one site
- Downloading software from the Internet
- Clicking on links in email messages
2-Step Verification can help keep bad guys out, even if they have your password.
Imagine losing access to your account and everything in it
When a bad guy steals your password, they could lock you out of your account, and then do some of the following:
- Go through – or even delete – all of your emails, contacts, photos, etc.
- Pretend to be you and send unwanted or harmful emails to your contacts
- Use your account to reset the passwords for your other accounts (banking, shopping, etc.)
How It Protects:
- An extra layer of security
Most people only have one layer – their password – to protect their account. With 2-Step Verification, if a bad guy hacks through your password layer, he’ll still need your phone or Security Key to get into your account.
- Sign in will require something you know and something you have
With 2-Step Verification, you’ll protect your account with something you know (your password) and something you have (your phone or Security Key).
How to Set Up New Google Prompt(2FA) :
Here’s how you can enable Google Prompt for your Google accounts:
Before enabling Google Prompt, first enable two-step verification for your Google account and you have already enabled two-step verification, you can skip this part.
- Go to google.com and sign in to your Google account.
- Select ‘Signing into Google,’ using 2-Step Verification.
- Click on ‘Get started’ and enter your password once again.
- Now provide your phone number you want to use for authenticating, and choose either an SMS or phone call for verification, and click on ‘Try it.’
- Enter the 6-digit code from the SMS or phone call and select ‘Next.’
- For setting up two-step verification, click ‘Turn ON.’
Now, once you have enabled two-step verification, follow these simple steps that will just take a few second. All you need is an Android or iOS device nearby.
- Under ‘Set up alternative second step,’ click on the Google prompt option
- Add phone and click Get started.
- Then just follow the on-screen instructions and you’re all set to go.
Note:
- Currently, you can’t have Security Keys and Google prompt enabled at the same time.
- A data connection is required to use Google prompt.
- Android users will need updated Google Play Services to use Google prompt.
- iOS users will need the Google Search app installed on their phone to use Google prompt
