Google Authenticator

Google Authenticator

Price: $

Google Authenticator is an application developed by Google that can generate and store your time-based, one-time passcodes (TOTP). If you didn't know already, TOTPs are now the new thing in today's online accounts that are used to access your bank accounts, social media accounts, and many other online accounts. Just like OTPs, TOTP is an additional security step that can keep your accounts safe and secure from any unwanted actors.

What is Google Authenticator and how does it work?

Everybody knows about two-factor authentication (2FA). A lot of social media websites, banks, and institutions now offer an option for time-based one-time passcodes that you can use as the second layer of security instead of the typical text messages or calls. 

Google Authenticator generates and stores these TOTPs to ensure that you have your one-time passcodes in time of need, even when calls or texts are not working. It also eliminates the need for a working SIM card, especially if you are in another country where your primary network is not working.

Features of Google Authenticator

Once you have installed and set it up, you can then add codes for various websites, apps, and services that will then be generated for a limited time period (30 seconds) and then regenerated after the time period is completed within the Authenticator. Here are a few key features of the Authenticator:

• Generates 6-digit TOTP codes every 30 seconds
• Support for multiple accounts
• Works offline as well
• QR code scanning is available
• Works across multiple operating systems: iOS and Android

Simple and effective

Google Authenticator is an incredibly simple yet effective app. You can add codes in the app using two ways:

• QR Code: You can scan a QR code using the camera within the app and add any code
• Enter a setup key: If QR is not available or you can't use it, you can manually enter your key, its code name, and the type of key

Note: You will need to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts before you can set up the codes on Google Authenticator. Once the code is added, it will start generating unique codes that will expire every 30 seconds and then regenerate.

Cloud backup is now available

One of the best features of Google Authenticator that was only recently made available is the option for cloud backup. Now you can use your Google account to back up all the 2FA codes added in the Authenticator. If you change your phone or lose your phone, you will still have access to your codes.

A must-have

Google Authenticator is a must-have application in today’s time as there are many social and banking accounts that are highly sensitive and critical for you. There are no security doubts as it comes from Google itself. So, add an extra layer of security for all your accounts by using the Authenticator.