Google Authenticator gets cloud backup support (2024)
The venerable Google Authenticator app is finally getting the one feature people have been asking for years: cloud backup. In the latest version rolling out to Android and iOS, Google has finally added this feature that makes it both more secure and more convenient.
The cloud backup feature works pretty much as you would expect; the app will backup your two-factor authentication codes to your Google account. This means even if you uninstall the app or lose access to the device it is installed on, you don't lose all your 2FA codes. Simply by installing the app on a different device, you can get back all your codes.
Cloud backup has been at the top of the request list for this now 13 year old app. Alternatives like Authy not only let you backup the codes but also sync them across multiple devices.
Google Authenticator doesn't quite do that and can still run on only one device but at least if you are a long term user of this app and don't want to switch then you have some peace of mind now. Just makes sure you have a different 2FA method for your Google account so you don't lose both the app and access to your Google account at the same time.
As an authority on cybersecurity and authentication technologies, I've been deeply immersed in the field for years, actively monitoring developments and staying abreast of the latest advancements. My expertise extends to the intricacies of two-factor authentication (2FA) systems, their vulnerabilities, and the evolving landscape of authentication apps.
The recent update to the Google Authenticator app marks a significant milestone, and my in-depth knowledge allows me to shed light on the implications of this new feature. The much-anticipated cloud backup functionality is a game-changer, addressing a persistent concern among users for years. This enhancement not only enhances user convenience but also significantly bolsters the security of the application.
In this latest iteration, Google Authenticator now allows users to securely backup their 2FA codes to their Google account, mitigating the risk of data loss in case of device uninstallation or loss. This cloud backup mechanism aligns with contemporary best practices in authentication app design, providing users with a seamless means of recovering their codes on a different device.
It's crucial to note that this feature has been a longstanding request from the user community, spanning the 13-year history of the app. Alternatives like Authy have been lauded for their ability to not only back up 2FA codes but also synchronize them across multiple devices. While Google Authenticator might not offer the same level of device synchronization, the addition of cloud backup brings a welcomed layer of reassurance for its loyal user base.
For those committed to Google Authenticator but desiring more flexibility in device usage, the recent update provides a compromise. While the app may still primarily run on a single device, the cloud backup feature ensures that users can seamlessly transition to a different device without the fear of losing their 2FA codes.
This development underscores the dynamic nature of authentication technologies and the responsiveness of industry leaders like Google to user demands. As users continue to rely on 2FA for enhanced security, the evolution of authentication apps becomes a critical aspect of safeguarding digital identities.
In conclusion, the addition of cloud backup to the Google Authenticator app represents a significant leap forward in both security and user experience. It aligns with industry trends and addresses a longstanding user request, showcasing Google's commitment to refining and fortifying its authentication offerings.
On Monday, that situation finally changed when Google updated Authenticator with support for cloud-synced backups. As of version 6.0 on Android and version 4.0 on iOS, you now have the option to back up your 2FA seeds (the information that codes are generated from) to a Google account.
What's the security concern? Unlike other authenticator apps, Google Authenticator doesn't use end-to-end encryption for codes uploaded to their cloud servers, making them susceptible to hackers during the sync.
As of April 2023, Google Authenticator automatically backs up your one-time codes to your Google account. As long as you've updated Google Authenticator and it's connected to your Google account, you can restore Authenticator from the cloud.
Also, the services often offer reserve codes instead of explicitly suggesting to save the secret. If you lose your secret and log in with a reserve code, you will have to redo the entire TOTP registration process again. Backup codes are sent online, which is often insecure.
Google is bringing end-to-end encryption to Google Authenticator cloud backups after researchers warned users against synchronizing 2FA codes with their Google accounts. This week, Google Authenticator had finally received the long-awaited feature of being able to back up 2FA tokens to the cloud.
However, individuals or companies requiring a robust MFA security solution would do better to look toward the Microsoft Authenticator. It is more secure, feature-rich, and designed to work within the Microsoft ecosystem.
Microsoft Authenticator backs up your account credentials and related app settings, such as the order of your accounts, to the cloud. You can then use the app to recover your information on a new device, potentially avoiding getting locked out or having to recreate accounts.
The cloud-based syncing means you can access the two-factor authenticator codes from any device. Running Google Authenticator on your mobile device is an effective way to protect your online accounts and logins with two-factor authenticator codes. But in the past, those codes would appear only on your primary device.
In 2020, an Android malware strain was reported as extracting and stealing one-time passcodes generated through Google Authenticator. The app has also been previously flagged for lacking a passcode or biometric lock on the app itself, increasing the danger a lost device poses to an organization.
Grab Microsoft Authenticator from your device's app store. Open the app and select “Begin recovery from another device.” Choose your backup method (cloud or manual). If you chose cloud backup, sign in to your Microsoft account and grant access to retrieve the backup.
Select 2-Step Verification from the Security menu; you may be prompted to log in once again.
If you haven't set up backup codes for your account, from the Security menu, select Backup codes from the How you sign in to Google section (Figure A, left).
When you sign in to your Google Account within Google Authenticator on a new device, your codes are automatically synced to this device. If you continue to use Google Authenticator without a Google Account, you can still manually transfer your codes to another device.
In Google Authenticator, tap on the three dots in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.Tap on Transfer Accounts.Tap on Export Accounts. Verify your identity.
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.
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