How to Setup 2 Step Verification in Gmail

Two-Step Verification is a layer of security that you can add onto your Gmail account. When turned on, you have to enter your password, and enter a special code that is sent to your device, or verify the sign in attempt on your phone. This dramatically increases the security of your account and makes sure that hackers can’t get into your account even if they guess or steal your password. The following article will teach you how to setup 2 step verification in Gmail.

How to Turn-ON Gmail 2-Step Verification

Check if you want to use the text message or voice call option. With this enabled, a code will be sent to your phone via text, or Google will call on your phone and tell you the code. You can then enter this code into the sign in prompt in order to sign in.

Follow the below mentioned steps to enable 2 step verification in Gmail account:

1. Go to Google’s “My Account” page. You can find it at the following address: https://myaccount.google.com/
2. If you are not sign into your Google account, then, click Sign-in in the top-right corner of the page and enter your Gmail email address and password.
3. Click Security. It’s on the left side of the page.
4. Then, scroll down and click setup 2 step verification in Gmail. check this option on the page in the “Password & sign-in method” section.
5. Then, check “ON” option to activate 2-Step verification. it’s already set up. You can add the following method as an optional way to verify your sign in attempt. Access the 2-Step verification page, and hit on Set Up under the option for “Voice or text message”.
6. Click “GET STARTED”. It’s a blue button in the bottom-right corner of the page.

After that, enter your Google account password.

Text Message or Voice Call

The following step is to check your identity with Google before continuing.

1. If you’re signed in on the wrong Gmail account, then, click Sign in with a different account.
2. Now, click Sign in. It will confirm the  identity and take you to the next page.
3. Then, Enter your phone number in the text field below the “What phone number do you want to use?” heading.
4. Click a code option. Now, select Text message to receive a code, or you can click Phone call to receive an audio recording of the code.
5. Click Next. It’s in the bottom-right corner of the screen. Then, a prompt will be sent by Google to you according to your selected option above.
6. Retrieve your code from Google. You’ll do so either by answering a phone call and listening to the numbers, or by opening your phone’s Messages app and reading the new text from a five-digit number.
7. Type in your code in the text field in the middle of the page.
8. Click Next. It’s in the bottom-right corner of the page.
9. Click TURN ON. The button is at the top of the page. Clicking it will add two step verification to Gmail account; whenever you log into a new device, you’ll be prompted to enter a code delivered to your phone.

Google Prompt

Check if you want to enable Google Prompt. When Google Prompt is activated, you will receive a message on your phone if it is you signing in. You would then click on Yes, and will be signed into your account.

Note: you need an Android phone to use this method.

1. Go to Google’s “My Account” page. You can find it at the following address: https://myaccount.google.com/
2. If you are not signed into your Google account, click Sign-in in the top-right corner of the page and enter your Google account email address and password.
3. Then, click Sign-in & security.
4. Scroll down and click 2-Step verification. You’ll see the option in the “Password & sign-in method” section.
5. If you see and check “ON” to the right of 2-Step Verification, it’s already set up. You can add this method as an other method to verify your sign in attempt. Just access the 2-Step Verification page, and click on Set Up under the option for “Google prompt”.
6. Then, click GET STARTED. It’s a blue button in the bottom-right corner of the page.
7. Enter your Google account password.
8. If you’re sign-in on the wrong account, click Sign in with a different account.
9. Then, click Sign in. Doing so will confirm your identity and take you to the next page.
10. Scroll down to the bottom of the page. Click on “Chose another option”, then select “Google Prompt”.
11. Make sure that the devices that you want to use are listed. Afterwards, click on Try It Now.
12. Tap Yes on the prompt on your phone.
13. Chose a backup option. Setting this will allow you to access your google account even if Google Prompt is not available. Follow the on screen instructions if you want to use text messages or a phone call for the backup option.
14. You can use backup codes instead of a text message by selecting “Use Another Backup Option”.
15. Select Turn ON to activate two step verification in Gmail. Now, whenever you (or somebody else) tries to log into your account, you will have to approve the login request on your phone.

Tips – Setup 2 Step Verification in Gmail

1. Google strongly recommends creating a backup verification method on the “setup 2 step verification in Gmail” page.
2. Even with 2-step verification set up, you should still change your password substantially from time to time.
3. You can click REVOKE ALL at the bottom of the “2-Step Verification” page to clear all of the devices on your Gmail account that can sign in without having to verify the login.
4. Google Prompt is the strongest verification method, followed by the Authenticator app, and the lowest security method is the text message or voice call.

Warnings About 2-Step Verification

1. If you lose access to your phone number and you don’t have a backup set, you will need to contact Google.
2. If you ever get a login notification for your account when you are not trying to log in, that means that your password has been compromised; you should immediately change your password if this ever happens.
3. Google will never ask for your verification code or backup codes. If somebody contacts you asking for the code, don’t give it to them, it’s a scam.
   • If you did give them you code accidentally, then you should turn off two step verification, then reset it up, as this will reset the way the codes are generated, you should also revoke all trusted devices and reset your backup codes.

The Benefits of Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication provides many business benefits, including:

Improved security:

By requiring a second form of identification, SMS-2FA decreases the probability that an attacker can impersonate a user and gain access to computers, accounts or other sensitive resources. Even if a fraudster gains access to a password, he won’t have the second element required to authenticate.

Increase productivity and flexibility:

Enterprises are embracing mobility as it contributes to higher productivity. With mobile 2FA, employees can securely access corporate applications, data, documents, and back-office systems from virtually any device or location-without putting the corporate network and sensitive information at risk.

Lower helpdesk and security management costs:

The average user calls the help desk 1.25 times per month. In an environment that’s experiencing unusual downtime or has had recent upgrades, that number can exceed three calls per month. The industry research group, HDI, estimates at least 35-40 percent of those calls are related to password resets. Furthermore, each of those tickets consumes, on average, 20 minutes of the help desk technician’s time. Two-Factor Authentication can help remedy these time-consuming and costly password-reset calls by providing a safe and secure way for end users to reset their own passwords. The business outcome includes cost savings from fewer calls, increased employee productivity and satisfaction.

Reduce fraud and build secure online relationships:

Identity theft, which accounted for 17 percent of all fraud in 2013, is on the rise. Fraud in all its guises has a direct impact on the bottom line. Even worse, it can result in a loss of trust, credibility and brand equity, and destroy a customer relationship. Twenty-nine percent of fraud victims avoid certain retailers as a result of their victimization, even if the merchant wasn’t responsible for the data breach. Two-Factor Authentication provides an additional layer of mobile protection that secures the site, the transaction and customer. Moreover, by creating a secure brand experience, businesses increase their opportunity to create ongoing interactions with customers.

A Holistic Approach to Mobile Engagement Solution:

Today’s employees and consumers are accustomed to having the information and resources they need at their fingertips. This level of digital convenience offers huge potential for businesses, while introducing new security risks and vulnerabilities. Two-Factor Authentication provides the stronger user validation that today’s enterprises require, and those failing to leverage it as an integral part of their mobile strategy are leaving themselves open to dire consequences.