Enhanced security! How to set up and log in to Google's two-factor authentication [Basics of using Google]

Now that the Internet has spread, various crimes are committed via the Internet. One of the most familiar is “account hijacking”. If it is a website or service that does not use personal information, there may be no problem, but in some cases, such as a mail-order site, considerable damage may occur.

Some people who change their passwords by websites/services to enhance their security may use Google's password manager to log in. Google encrypts and saves passwords, so it seems safe, but on the other hand, if you log in to your Google account without authorization, your password for each website and service can easily be leaked.

To prevent such damage, you should set up Google's "Two-Step Verification". This time, we will introduce how to set up this "two-factor authentication" and how to log in when you set it up.

Contents How to set "Two-step verification" How to log in when "Two-step verification" is set How to omit "Two-step verification" only for a specific terminal? summary

How to set up "Two-step verification"

First, we will introduce how to set up "Two-step verification".

On a computer

When setting up on a computer, first open the Google account page. You can change your Google account from the page displayed when you open Google Chrome or when you access Google from another search engine.

You can open the Google account page by pressing the button with a 3x3 circle in the upper right of the image and pressing "Account". Here you can add, change, or delete information set in your Google account, such as contact information and credit card information.

"Two-step verification" this time is a setting related to security, so set it from "Security".

Open Security and scroll down a little to see "Login to Google". By clicking "Two-step verification process" here, you can actually set it.

Basically, follow the instructions on the screen to make the settings. When you press the "Try it" button below, you may be asked to enter a password, so enter the password in that case. If you have already logged in and just entered your password, you do not need to enter it.

The next screen may differ depending on your Google account settings. If you have not set a phone number in your Google account, the following phone number setting will be displayed. If this is displayed, enter the phone number according to the screen and receive the verification code via text message or voice call on your smartphone.

In the case of text message, you will receive a confirmation code starting with "G" as shown below, so please enter only the number part on the next screen.

This will register your phone number in your Google account. After that, by pressing the "Enable" button in the image, the setting of "Two-step verification" is completed. The next time you log in, you will be prompted for two-factor authentication.

For smartphones

Continuing on, let's talk about how to set up two-factor authentication on your smartphone. Basically, like the PC version, you can set up from your Google account. However, depending on the model of smartphone, "Security" may not be visible on the screen. In that case, you can display it by sliding from right to left on the "Home" part.

After that, the procedure is the same as for a PC. Since the same screen as the computer appears like the image, you can use "two-step verification" by registering your phone number with your Google account and turning it "enabled".

How to log in when "Two-step verification" is enabled

Continuing, we will introduce how to log in when "Two-step verification" is enabled. Google's "two-factor authentication" can be roughly divided into three authentication methods and can be set as an option.

In addition to the login method using "text message" and "voice call" using a smartphone introduced earlier, we will also introduce "Google Authenticator" and "security key".

Text message, voice call

First, enter your Google email address and password as you did before setting up "two-factor authentication". You will then be prompted to enter a verification code as shown below.

After that, you will receive an SMS for text messages and a call for voice calls, so you can log in by entering the confirmation code obtained by either method.

Security Key

Security Key is an authentication method that uses the "Titan Security Key" sold by Google or a FIDO-compatible security key.

You can use it by connecting the security key via USB on a computer, or by connecting the device via NFC or Bluetooth on a smartphone. The security key registration method differs depending on the security key model, so follow the procedure for the security key you purchased to register.

Once you have completed the settings, you can easily log in by simply logging in as you would for text messages and voice calls, and following the instructions on the screen and touching the sensor part of the key.

Google Authenticator

This is how to use the Google authentication smartphone app below.

When you open this app, you will see a 6-digit code for each registered Google account. You can log in by entering the 6-digit code displayed on the app on the "Two-step verification" login screen.

However, if you use this "two-factor authentication" for login, you need to be careful when changing models. If you change the model without taking any special measures and hand over the old device to the shop, you may not be able to log in to your account again.

When you receive your new smartphone, first tap the "..." button, then tap "Export account". You will then be taken through the steps to transfer your account to another device.

Follow the screen and read the QR code with the authentication app on your new device to complete the migration. If you give your old device to someone else or take it to a shop, be sure to delete the data.

How to omit "Two-Step Verification" only for a specific device?

"Two-step verification" is ideal for strengthening security, but there may be times when you want to get rid of "two-step verification" on the computer you normally use. In that case, check "Don't show this again on this device" on the confirmation code entry screen before logging in.

Then, from now on, you will be able to log in to this device only by entering your Google account email address and password.

Summary

In an era where everything can be done on the Internet, such as online shopping and SNS, it is necessary to emphasize security so as not to fall victim to rampant cybercrime.

Google's "two-factor authentication" introduced this time is one of the security measures that can be easily started. It is recommended that you use the two-factor authentication that suits you so that you can use the Internet safely.

● Composition / Writing / Aya Nishida (Aya Nishida / Kyoto Media Line / http://kyotomedialine.com) "IT Passport Examination" and "Basic Information Engineer Examination" in the National Examination "Information Technology Engineer Examination" hold the test. We provide technical maintenance support at a company that develops, introduces, and maintains mail-order EC packages.