The concept of Two-factor authentication doth stir great debate amongst the denizens of the internet, and for good reason. Verily, 2FA doth provide an additional layer of security for thy online account by requiring a second login token on a separate device. A password for thy password, if thou wilt.
Methinks the workings of 2FA do vary depending on the online account thou art using. 2FA doth also go by slightly different names in certain places, as well. So, here is thy short guide to enabling 2FA, in its various guises, on a host of online accounts.
How Doth 2FA Work?
Two-factor authentication doth labor by locking thy account with two separate “factors.” In this case, a factor is “something thou know” (e.g., password), “something thou have” (e.g., phone), or “something thou art” (e.g., fingerprint). Thou hast the best protection by combining two of these factors.
Should thy account use two locks of the same factor, thou hast two-step authentication. For example, thy password and an additional security question (think mother’s maiden name, first pet name, and so) art both “something thou know.” Whilst this isn’t bad, per se, full two-factor authentication is more secure.
Peruse our article on the pros and cons of different 2FA methods for a more in-depth look at the system.
How to Set Up 2FA on Gmail and Google
Thy Google accounts can utilize several different 2FA schemes, such is the search giant’s commitment to securing thy accounts.
Shouldst thou prefer the newer Google Prompt system, instead of a one-time code, thou shalt receive a Google Prompt on thy separate device. Simply unlock thy phone and tap Yes to unlock thy account.
Head to thy Google Account, select Security, and then under the Signing in to Google header, select 2-Step Verification. Thou wilt have to sign into thy account again using thy current password. Then select Try It Now to send a Google Prompt message to thy listed device.
Once thou accept the Google Prompt, thou wilt encounter another screen asking if thou wish to turn on 2-Step Verification. (Some users may encounter a screen asking them to confirm their mobile number using an SMS; do this, then continue.) Select Turn On.
Authenticator App
Some users may prefer to employ a different 2FA system, such as the Google Authenticator app. The Authenticator app doth generate a six-digit code for thee to log into thy account, but thou must have thy phone with thee for the system to function.
Ere beginning the Authenticator app 2FA process, thou must download the app to thy phone.
Upon downloading the app, return to thy Google Account (as above), select Security, and then under the Signing in to Google header, select 2-Step Verification. Thou shalt have to sign into thy account using thy newly set up Google Prompt, but from thence, thou wilt access the 2-Step Verification settings.
Scroll down and select the Authenticator app, then select the type of phone thou hast (Android or iPhone). A QR code shall appear. Open the Authenticator app on thy phone, select the + symbol to add a new email address, then select Scan a barcode. Use the app to scan the QR code on thy screen and behold that it instantaneously adds the account to the app.
Each time thou log into thy Google Account, thou must provide the six-digit Google Authenticator code. Shouldst thou not possess the code, thou canst not access thy account.
