Did you know this about Google Authenticator? (2024)

FAQs

Did you know this about Google Authenticator? ›

Google Authenticator adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by adding a second step of verification when you sign in. This means that in addition to your password, you'll also need to enter a code that is generated by the Google Authenticator app on your phone.

You can save your codes safely in your Google Account with Google Authenticator. This helps protect you from being locked out of your account when you change devices. However, you may instead choose to use Google Authenticator without these protections.

The secret key is like a secondary password shared between the authenticator app on your device and your Knowledge Hub account. If you have multiple devices, they must all share the same secret key.

The method universally accepted as most secure is via external authenticator app. External authenticator apps like Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator don't use codes, so no codes can be intercepted.

Backup codes are sent online, which is often insecure. You and Provider share the same secret. If an attacker hacks into a company and gains access to both the password and the secrets database, he/she will be able to access every account completely unnoticed. The secret is displayed in plaintext or QR code.

Anyone with physical access to your phone has access to your 2FA accounts with Google Authenticator.

The Microsoft authenticator does not track you and it does not log location data. It will list your logins to MCC-protected resources as a method for you to recognize unauthorized access attempts. The only push notifications it will ever send you are approval requests for logins to MCC systems.

Google Authenticator app is based on the time-based one-time password algorithm where a user inputs a time-based one-time password to verify their identity.

A2A: What happens if I uninstall Google Authenticator? You lose access to the seed database on your device so you won't be able to use TOTP authentication with the sites that you have enrolled for. Removing Google Authenticator does not affect sites on which you have enabled two factor authentication.

What are the advantages of Google Authenticator? ›

Lack of encryption

Google Authenticator does not provide end-to-end encryption, which makes it susceptible to hackers. If there's a data breach or someone compromises your Google account, all your 2FA secrets will be unprotected.

Since the verification codes are generated within the app and not sent via text message, attackers cannot easily intercept them. However, there are some drawbacks to using authenticator apps. One of the main concerns is the risk of losing access to accounts if a user loses their device or accidentally deletes the app.

How to Disable Your Google Authenticator. Step 1: Click on the profile icon at the upper left corner on the home page to enter into the Security page. Step 2: Disable the Google 2FA Authentication by toggle the button to the left. Step 3: Enter your account login password and existing Google Authenticator Code.

What should I do if I lose a phone with Google Authenticator installed? If you lose your phone with Google Authenticator on it, you should erase your phone remotely and use an alternative method to sign into your accounts with 2FA set up until you can install Google Authenticator on a new phone.

An authenticator app is a mobile application that provides an extra layer of security to your online accounts by generating time-based one-time passwords (TOTPs). These passwords are used for two-factor authentication (2FA) and help protect your accounts from unauthorized access.

Use a trusted device: You should only use Google Authenticator on a trusted device that you own and control. Using the app on a public or shared device can compromise the security of your account.