Google Authenticator (MFA) (2024)

FAQs

Is Google Authenticator good enough? ›

The Google Authenticator 2FA app only secure if you enable Privacy Screen and build in a reliable backup. The most secure 2FA method uses a physical security key, but for a free option, authenticator apps are recommended over text message-based 2FA, which is vulnerable to SIM swap attacks.

Lack of encryption

For example, if a cybercriminal happens to access your 2FA QR code, which is the secret key used to generate one-time codes, they will be able to generate the same one-time code. This issue can lead to huge security risks for users such as account takeover or data leakage.

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.

Currently, you can turn off 2-Step Verification after it's turned on automatically, but signing in with just a password makes your account much less secure. Soon, 2-Step Verification will be required for most Google Accounts.

Other important factors to consider when researching alternatives to Google Authenticator include user interface and security. The best overall Google Authenticator alternative is LastPass. Other similar apps like Google Authenticator are 1Password, Cisco Duo, Auth0 by Okta, and Ping Identity.

Here are some of the most effective 2FA methods: 1 SMS or Text Message Codes widely supported, easy to implement 2 Time-based One-Time Passwords (TOTP) widely supported by authenticator apps 3 Universal Second Factor (U2F) Security Keys: Physical key highly secure against phishing attacks 4 Biometric Authentication: ...

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.

If you sign in with an invalid email, Google can throw an error. Retrace your steps and try again or contact our team for assistance!

Tip: Although any form of 2-Step Verification adds account security, verification codes sent by texts or calls can be vulnerable to phone number-based hacks.

2FA can be vulnerable to several attacks from hackers because a user can accidentally approve access to a request issued by a hacker without acknowledging it. This is because the user may not receive push notifications by the app notifying them of what is being approved.

Is Google Authenticator deprecated? ›

This node has been deprecated and its use is not recommended. Please search for updated nodes instead. This nodes authenticates to Google services specified in the node settings.

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.

Passwords as part of MFA

While it's not feasible for every company to give up passwords cold turkey, you should at least avoid pairing them with another knowledge factor. For example, companies sometimes use security questions as a password recovery method, but these are even less secure than passwords.

Enterprises are at greater risk due to the large volumes of sensitive data and financial assets. SMS-based MFA vulnerabilities can lead to significant breaches, financial loss, and damage to reputation. Enterprises must adopt stronger MFA solutions to protect their digital infrastructure.

Google may ask you to verify your account for security reasons, especially if it detects unusual activity. Regardless of whether you want to change your phone number or disable two-step verification, you need to log in to your Google account first. If you can't log in, you won't be able to make any changes.

Authenticator apps offer several advantages over other forms of two-factor authentication. First, they work offline, meaning you don't need an internet connection to generate code. Second, they are more secure than SMS-based authentication because short message service (SMS) can be intercepted.

Authenticator apps generate 2FA codes locally on a device, rather than sending them unencrypted over text message. The 2FA codes in authenticator apps also change every 30 to 60 seconds, which makes them difficult for cybercriminals to steal. SMS authentication sends 2FA codes unencrypted over text message.

After you enable MFA for your account, you can set up Google Authenticator to work with Microsoft 365: Choose your sign-in method: Go to the Security info page and select 'Add sign-in method. ' Choose the 'Authenticator app' as the method to proceed.