Today, improving the security of our Google account is a very important factor that we must take into account. Well, most people only use the basic level to protect them; the password, and usually they put one that is very easy to crack. So that very few take into account the issue of a possible phishing attack and information theft.
Luckily for users, there are more and more platforms that have this two-factor verification system, as it is also known. basically this is part of an additional level of security offered to you and that allows you to place an attacker who discovers your password, one more step to be able to enter. So it will need something that only you know (password), and something that only you have (mobile phone or security key).
If you want to know more about this standard that the company offers you, in this article we will give you more details and We will briefly explain the benefits and steps to activate it from your device. You will certainly be able to protect yourself from any external threat that there may be.
Why turn on two-factor verification for my Google account? Benefits
Today most Internet services have this method, and the main reason why this is so is because it provides a lot of security to the user. The activation of this is an important step to safeguard your information, Well, as we well know, some accounts are very easy to break. Doing this makes the task a bit more complicated for cybercriminals, since they need extra information to complete the login.
Our Google account is like our bank account, because we deposit all the data from our mobile there, and if it is the only one we have and the main one, it is worth carrying out a verification, as well we avoid any action that has a negative impact on us.
It works by requesting some key data that you have placed, or through a code that is sent by means of an SMS to the mobile device linked to it. If this is not entered, it will not be possible to complete the access, so it would be safe. It should be noted that this key is a temporary one, which means that after 10 minutes it will be useless.
Another thing to mention is that We must always have a password that exceeds all security parameters, as this would make everything more complicated. It is best to use one that has symbols, numbers, and upper and lower case letters interspersed.
What double confirmation login methods can you enable on Google?
When you perform a two-step verification, you should know that you have the possibility to choose another alternative method to protect yourself even more. Among the options are the following:
google message
This option will cause a message like this to be sent to you: “Are you trying to access?” to the associated mobile phone. Once it arrives you have to touch it by pressing “Yes” to verify that it is you.
If you don’t have it or it’s not you, you can point out that you’re not the one who tried to log in to protect your account. It is a quick and easy method that it will alert you every time you try to access it from a different device. Once it arrives you have to touch it by pressing “Yes” to verify that it is you.
This function allows you to block the device through which they are trying to enter and even change the password. At the same time, you can also block your account.
Although, the latter would already be an extreme case:
- Log in to the account Google.
- Enter the following menu “Security” > “Google Sign In” > “2-Step Verification”.
- Choose “Add Google message” > “Recommended device” > “Yes” > “Done”.
Text message (SMS) or call
this option allows you to verify your account with a temporary 6-digit code that the platform will send to your mobile, It can be through a text message or a call depending on what you decide. Once you receive it, you will enter it on the computer where you are trying to log in. If you do not receive it or you do not have the mobile device nearby, you will not be able to enter, since this works as an alternative method to access.
Security key
This It is a device in the form of a key that we bought in the Google Store and that serves to demonstrate that it is you who wants to access the account. Until now, not a single person has been conceived as a victim of phishing, which means that it is considered a fairly secure system when it comes to protecting the logins that we make together with the usual password.
It should be noted that these are a game, one has a USB version for computers and the other is a Bluetooth version for mobile equipment. To verify the identity we just need to connect it and that’s it.
Activation is executed as follows:
The first thing we must do is make sure that our device accepts this key, for this we must follow the same steps as point “Message from Google.”
Once this is done, this alternative should appear, if not, it means that the equipment does not support it. Therefore, we will not be able to execute it, but we must try another choice.
By the computer
Through the USB port:
- Start actions in Google.
- connect the key to the USB port.
- When the message appears “Google Play Services” click on “To accept”.
by mobile
Via Bluetooth:
- Mainly you will have to activate the “Bluetooth”.
- Successively connect the keys to the computer to configure it.
- choose “Add the keys to the account.”
- Wait for it to pair with the device and you’re done.
Another way is through the Near Field Communication or NFC:
- Open the app gmail on your mobile and log in.
- right away this one it should detect that a key exists and it will be linked automatically.
security codes
Another way is generating codes from the two-step verification page. All you have to do is, once it asks you to choose a way to secure your account, select “Use another security option”. There you will have this alternative, you just have to download, print and save them. They generally consist of 10 numbers (example: 2023 996 526), and these become inactive as you use them.
This is used when you cannot receive them on your mobile, when you do not have the equipment nearby or something similar. Once you use them all or have lost them, what you have to do is generate others by going to “Get new codes.”
Google Authenticator app
It is a tool that gives you the possibility of corroborating that it is you through the generation of codes that it does for you. Even these can be generated even if you do not have an Internet connection.
Alternative telephone
This parameter works with a different number than yours; it will serve to receive the verification code. It works very well for when you have problems with your mobile or in any other case. This is one that you add extra when configuring the Google account:
- You only have to Go to Gmail Enter your email and password.
- Select “Try accessing another way” or “More options”.
- Click on “Get verification code”.
- Follow the instructions and you’re done.
Steps to activate two-step validation in your Google account
Activating it allows you to protect your account with a different alternative to the password, because as we have said, today it is very easy for someone to steal your password. That’s why, verification will help shield you from malicious people, even if they have your data. Enabling it is very simple.
It’s important pointing that You have the option to choose not to use verification again on that computer you are using, this to avoid having to do this every time you access from a frequently used computer. What will mean that when accessing you do it in a common way, just entering the password.
Of course, this will not make your account unprotected, since when you enter or someone tries to do it from a different computer, they will be prompted.
From the computer
You can do it from the web page of the interface, or by entering the following which will take you directly to it:
- Go to Gmail and enter your email and your password.
- In the top right navigation panel where your photo appears, go to “Account”.
- then go to “Security”.
- In section “Access to Google” locate and click “Two-Step Verification”.
- Press the blue button that says “Start”.
- Follow the steps on the screen and choose a second method.
When configuring it, you can choose what you prefer to have greater security. You can choose between:
- Use your phone as the second access step.
- Receive messages from Google on these devices now, (the ones you have synchronized to this).
- Choose another option.
From the phone
You can do it from the settings of your device or from the browser. Either way will accomplish the goal.
on android
As we well know this operating system works with this company, Therefore, it is essential to obtain all the security measures that we can:
- Go to the “Settings” from your mobile device, search “Google” and access “Google account”.
- Scroll through the menu until you find “Security”.
- In the section of “Google Access” search “Two-Step Verification”.
- This will take you and open a page on Google, there you just have to click on “Start” and follow the instructions.
on iPhone
The process is similar to the ones already mentioned, This is because it is something basic and the platform is displayed the same on any device:
- On your iPhone or iPad, go to the “Settings”.
- go to “Mail, contacts, calendar.” and select “Google”.
- Enter your details and go to “Menu” > “Settings” > “Your account” > “Manage your Google account”.
- If you do not have the application installed, you can go to “myaccount.google.com“
- then press “Security” > “Google Sign In” > “2-Step Verification”.
- Choose “Start” and follow the steps indicated.
What happens if I lose my mobile? Will I not be able to enter my “Google Account”?
If you lost your mobile, You can access your account if you remember your password and email, from there you can configure all the parameters to modify everything that was in it. In this way, you will be able to use services such as Gmail, Photos and Google Play from any device without problems.
Of not remembering you and you try to recover it, You will be asked to verify that it is you with some method such as sending an SMS, using an alternate email or any other that is requested. You can go to the quick access of “Google account recovery” and perform the following actions that will lead you to rescue her.
- Did you forget your password? If you forgot your password, you will be asked to enter the last password you can remember using with that account. If you don’t know any, click “Try another way”.
Sometimes you are asked to answer some questions to confirm that you are the owner, in this case you just have to answer them. If you have problems you can also try using your main associated mobile device, but assuming you lost it, this will…
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