Google Authenticator
Google Authenticator is a multi-factor authentication mobile app that generates timed codes for user verification. It helps protect user accounts by requiring both a password and a randomly generated 6-digit code that refreshes every 30 seconds.
Google Authenticator: Multi-Factor Authentication Mobile App
Google Authenticator is a multi-factor authentication mobile app that generates timed codes for user verification. It helps protect user accounts by requiring both a password and a randomly generated 6-digit code that refreshes every 30 seconds.
What is Google Authenticator?
Google Authenticator is a software-based authenticator app developed by Google for multi-factor authentication by generating timed one-time passwords. It can be used to enhance the security of user logins to applications and online accounts by requiring users to provide both their regular account password as well as a 6-digit one-time code generated by the Authenticator app.
It works by generating time-based codes locally on the user's mobile device rather than having to retrieve codes from an external server. When setting up two-factor authentication using Google Authenticator, the user scans a QR code provided by the service they are protecting, which synchronizes the Authenticator app to generate verification codes associated with that account. At login, after entering the regular account password, the user opens the Authenticator app to obtain the one-time passcode and enters it to complete verification.
Google Authenticator codes refresh every 30 seconds, providing a new secure code regularly rather than relying on codes that persist over time and thus are more prone to interception. The app can be used to enhance login security for many popular online services such as Google, Facebook, Dropbox, WordPress, as well as corporate applications and VPNs. It provides an easy way to implement two-factor authentication without relying on text messaging.
Google Authenticator Features
Features
- Generates time-based one-time passwords (TOTP)
- Supports HMAC-based one-time passwords (HOTP)
- Easy to set up and use
- Available on iOS and Android devices
- Syncs across multiple devices
- Open source
Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
Pros
Provides an extra layer of account security
No additional hardware token required
Widely supported by many online services
Free to use
Cons
Requires a smartphone
Account recovery can be difficult if phone is lost
Some users may find codes inconvenient
Limited customization options
Reviews & Ratings
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