Google is always coming up with new stuff. The megacorporation is the leader in online innovation. It dominates online searching, but it also offers lots of amazing services like Google Talk, Picasa, Google Docs, Android, and Google Calendar, to mention just a few. Google is constantly evolving and improving and staying ahead of the curve.
One of Google’s most popular services is Gmail, and many regard it as the best email provider there is. If you’re a Gmail user, have you heard of 2-step verification? It’s just one of the ways that Google excels above other providers, and lately it’s been getting a lot of press. So what is 2-step verification, and is it for you?
The likelihood of a hacker both knowing your personal password and having your personal mobile device is fairly slim; if both forms of verification are entered at sign-in, you have proven to Google your identity as the official account holder. If you download the Google Authenticator app, you can apply 2-step verification to other accounts like Amazon and Dropbox.
If you lose your cell phone or it loses power, it can be troublesome to get in – however, there is protocol for just about every problematic situation. You’re given 10 any-time login codes that you can write down and keep with you in case of cell phone loss, and the Google Authenticator app works even if your cell phone doesn’t have service. You can also tell Google to trust your computer for 30 days, thus having to only enter the code once per month on that device.
Even if you think no one will want to hack into your account, it is entirely possible, and perhaps more possible than you realize. If losing your Gmail account (or information contained in it getting leaked) would be devastating to you, then it’s better safe than sorry.
Compiled by Stella Luna Brown with the assistance of Authentify. Stella is a technologist with a passion for online security.
One of Google’s most popular services is Gmail, and many regard it as the best email provider there is. If you’re a Gmail user, have you heard of 2-step verification? It’s just one of the ways that Google excels above other providers, and lately it’s been getting a lot of press. So what is 2-step verification, and is it for you?
What is 2-Step Verification?
Two-step verification is an extra layer of protection for your Gmail account. Its purpose is to increase the security of your email account and prevent anyone else but you from accessing it. With 2-step verification, in order to log in to your Gmail account you must enter your password and a security code that’s texted to your phone each time.The likelihood of a hacker both knowing your personal password and having your personal mobile device is fairly slim; if both forms of verification are entered at sign-in, you have proven to Google your identity as the official account holder. If you download the Google Authenticator app, you can apply 2-step verification to other accounts like Amazon and Dropbox.
The Pros and Cons of 2-Step Verification
Two-step verification is currently the best way to secure your Gmail account (and other participating services). If you want to do everything in your power to keep potential hackers out of your personal email account, 2-step verification is the way to do it. While it’s incredibly safe, it’s also incredibly annoying. Every time you sign into your Gmail account, you have to wait a few extra seconds to receive and enter a text message code.If you lose your cell phone or it loses power, it can be troublesome to get in – however, there is protocol for just about every problematic situation. You’re given 10 any-time login codes that you can write down and keep with you in case of cell phone loss, and the Google Authenticator app works even if your cell phone doesn’t have service. You can also tell Google to trust your computer for 30 days, thus having to only enter the code once per month on that device.
Should You Use It?
Should you use 2-step verification to protect your Gmail account? In short, yes, everyone should. If you have a Gmail account, then 2-step verification is for you. However, we don’t always do the things we should do. If your Gmail account is just a spam-catcher, there really is no need for 2-step verification. If it’s your primary personal and work email, then you probably should use an extra layer of protection.Even if you think no one will want to hack into your account, it is entirely possible, and perhaps more possible than you realize. If losing your Gmail account (or information contained in it getting leaked) would be devastating to you, then it’s better safe than sorry.
Compiled by Stella Luna Brown with the assistance of Authentify. Stella is a technologist with a passion for online security.
