Download Google Authenticator – For Android/iOS

Publisher
Platforms Android 2.3.3 and up
Price Free
Size 5.9 MB
Latest Version 5.00

The Internet is indeed a powerful tool. People can search for anything and with our mobile devices and the apps we download, we can do almost everything in just a few taps and swipes of our fingers. Although we can do anything using our devices, security is still a topmost concern. Some of the websites that we access might contain harmful viruses that will put all our personal information at great risk. For Google products, for example, we use one Google account for almost all the Google Products we access including our emails, social media accounts, and more. This is where Google Authenticator comes extremely handy.

Google AuthenticatorHow Google Authenticator Works?

Most of us are very comfortable using the same password for all the websites we access. You might be using the same login details for your emails and your social media accounts without knowing how risky it could be. Interestingly, you can add another layer of protection to your accounts using the Google Authenticator app. Google Authenticator generates 2-Step Verification codes on your phone. Generally, this method provides stronger security for your Google Account by requiring a second step of verification when you sign in.

It means that aside from your usual login details, you will have another authentication before fully accessing your account. The app is using the Time-based One-time Password Algorithm (TOTP) and HMAC-based One-time Password algorithm (HOTP) to generate your password. Although it might sound complicated, the app is actually very simple. Once you have downloaded the app, it will ask you to set up your two-step verification on your Google account. Simply log into your google account using your usual login details. Now, under the”Security and Sign-In” select “Two-Step Verification,” and then scroll down to select the “Authenticator app” option. Then select the kind of phone you have.

Open the Google Authenticator app and tap the plus button on the upper right corner of the screen. This will ask the user to pick among two available options, either Scan Barcode or Manual Entry. Users only need to choose one of these options to complete the process. Scan Barcode is quite a lengthy procedure as it requires you to download a QR scanner from the app store and then pointing your phone at the QR code on your computer screen to verify Google Authenticator’s connection with your account. If you picked the Manual entry, Google will simply send you a 16-digit code to an e-mail address. You then enter the code to complete the verification process.

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Google AuthenticatorWhy You Need The Google Authenticator App?

After the verification is done, you’re good to go and you have just added an extra layer of protection to your account. Now, each time you log into the account you’ve connected with Google Authenticator, the account will ask you to enter a six-digit verification code. Simply open the Google Authenticator app, and the app will generate the new, randomized code for you to enter. You might be asking if this third party app is necessary. Well, with the latest hacking techniques, we all need to protect our accounts. If you are using the same password for all your accounts or if you frequently download software from unknown or unreliable sources, you are putting your accounts at such great risk.

If your account is hacked, you might lose everything. They can even hack your personal details and other private information including your banking details and more. With Google Authenticator 2 verification process, potential hackers’ mere knowledge of username and password is not sufficient to break into your account; the attacker also needs knowledge of the shared secret key or physical access to the device running the Authenticator app.

Google AuthenticatorThe Verdict

With the alarmingly increasing rate of hacking, Google Authenticator and its 2 Verification authentication system has become extremely useful and essential. It is very simple to use and it comes with a very simple interface that you can easily navigate and use. To top it all, this app works even without an Internet connection. Currently, Google Authenticator is available for both Android and iOS devices and you can download this impressive security app absolutely for free.

Download Google Authenticator