Since a few years ago, cases of record theft are on the rise. Using just a traditional password to lock down your Google account is like shining a beacon for potential identity and data theft. Recently, several YouTube accounts has been violated. Hackers stole their data because the owner used a traditional password instead of using standard two-factor authentication.
That’s why we urge everyone to use two-factor authentication (2FA) for Google account accounts.
For the uninitiated, this is a simple step where you introduce a second level of security. It can be in the form of SMS verification or call verification. So if someone tries to access your account, the final key to controlling your account will be in your hands instead of them.
When it comes to Google’s two-factor authentication, it offers two default ways: prompts on your secondary device and via SMS. When you want to sign in to your account, enter your password and wait for the prompt. Tap it and voila!
However, it may not turn out as you expect all the time. For example, if you don’t have access to SMS or calls, you may not be able to log into your account. Or worse, if your primary device is stolen.
In such cases, Google Backup Code can act as a real backup to save time.
What is the Google 2FA backup code?
The Google 2FA backup code is a string of numbers used to authenticate your account when you cannot access your verification code. Google generates a total of 10 codes at once and wants you to store them in a secure location that you can access as per your convenience.
You can also create a second batch of numbers if you feel there is something suspicious with the first batch.
How to set up a Google 2FA backup code
Step 1: Sign in with your main Google account and access Google 2-Step Verification.
Once in, tap the Get Started button. If you’ve set 2FA, you’ll see the date at the top.
In addition, you will also see other 2FA methods that already exist for your account. In my case, I had Google Prompt and SMS verification enabled before.
Step 3: Next, scroll down until you see the Backup Code option. Tap Setup and you’ll be greeted with a bunch of random numbers.
Step 4: Now all you need to do is tap on the Download button and the said numbers will download as a text file to the Downloads folder on your PC.
To create a new sequence, tap the Get New Code button and a new sequence of numbers will greet you.
Pro Tip: Backup codes always download with a filename such as Backup-codes-[username].txt. To be on the safe side, you should change the name of the file. For the paranoid people out there, you can always compress files with 256-bit encryption
How to use Google 2FA without a phone
Step 1: Next time you find yourself in a situation where you can’t use the default Google Prompt or SMS verification method, don’t panic. Just log in to your account and click the Try another way button.
Step 2: You will see all the activation methods listed on the login page. As you may have guessed, you will need to click on the 8-digit backup code option.
Enter one of the codes from the list you downloaded earlier, and you’re done. If the code is correct, you should be able to log into your account quickly.
When a code is used, Google 2FA discards it. However, these codes are your passwords and you must ensure that you store them to protect your passwords.
How to backup Google’s 2FA code
1. Google Keep
If your phone allows you to lock your apps with your fingerprint, you can keep all the locked codes in the Keep. And to make it even more advanced, assign a checkbox for each entry so you can easily check the codes used.
Again, you should only use this feature when the app in question can be locked (and can only be opened by you).
2. Password Manager: DashLane
Password managers like Dashlane come with a secure vault where you can securely store keys, passwords, and codes. Called Secure Notes, this feature stores these keys and codes just like you store your passwords.
To access Safe Notes, open the web app, open the left menu and tap on the Safe Notes option. That is all.
Also, make sure you protect your password manager with a strong password.
3. Write them down
I know, you shouldn’t write down passwords. But sometimes, electronics can fail and you may not have access to your password manager or to-do app.
And that’s when a physical clone comes to your rescue. Make sure you store it in an appropriate location.
Data is the new currency
Recently, the phrase has become popular – data is the new currency. Therefore, it is extremely important that you protect it with a second layer of security, i.e. two-factor authentication. At the same time, you must also ensure that you are not in the dark when 2FA fails. In such moments, backup codes come to your rescue.
Next up: Looking to increase the security of your account? Read the following post to learn some of the best 2FA apps out there.
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
