Google Authenticator is a mobile security app for iOS and Android devices that offers an additional stage of identityverification for websites and online services that allow you to configure two-factor authentication. Unlike verification via SMS messages, which can be intercepted or redirected by hackers, Google Authenticator provides a more secure method of confirming a user's identity before granting access to protected resources.
The Google Authenticator app utilizes the time-based one-time password (TOTP) algorithm described in the Internet Engineering Task Force's Request For Comments document titled "TOTP: Time-Based One-Time Password Algorithm." This algorithm produces a unique six-digit passcode by taking the current time into consideration, ensuring each passcode is different.
The importance of Google Authenticator lies in its ability to add an extra security layer to your online accounts. Under normal circumstances, only a password is required to log in, but with Google Authenticator, a unique code generated by the Google Authenticator app on your phone is also required. This code changes every 30 seconds. Even if someone knows your password, they won't be able to log in without having access to your phone. This makes it much harder for hackers to break into your accounts and steal your personal information.
Here is how TOTPs work with Google Authenticator:
When you set up Google Authenticator for a service, a secret key is shared between the app and the service. This key is like a shared password, but it's only used for generating codes.
Google Authenticator uses the current time, along with the secret key, to generate a unique code. This code changes every 30 seconds, making it much harder for unauthorized users to guess or steal it.
Unlike SMS codes,which require cell service, Google Authenticator functions entirely on your phone. This means you can generate codes even without an internet connection.
Google Authenticator makes use of TOTP codes that are difficult to crack when compared to static passwords or SMS codes.
Google Authenticator can also generate passcodes locally on a device, which allows for authentication even without an active internet connection.
In addition to TOTPs, Google Authenticator can be used with security keys for even stronger authentication protocols.
Google Authenticator enables users to transfer their accounts between devices easily using the Transfer accounts feature. This ensures continuity and security during device upgrades or replacements.
Google Authenticator generates codes locally on your smartphone or tablet. If you lose your device, or it becomes inaccessible, you will lose access to your accounts unless you have alternative recovery methods in place.
Google Authenticator is not immune to phishing attacks, where you could be tricked into providing your codes. Therefore, it is important to ensure you're entering codes only on legitimate apps or websites.
ManageEngine ADSelfService Plus offers adaptive MFA with 20 different authentication factors, including Google Authenticator. MFA can be deployed to enhance security across a variety of applications and systems, whether onpremises or in the cloud. This includes securing logins for applications, machines, VPNs, OWA, and self-service password management tasks.
Using ADSelfService Plus, administrators can customize the MFA process based on users' OUs and group memberships. This flexibility allows for tighter security measures, particularly for privileged accounts, helping mitigate the risks posed by cyberthreats.
Yes, Google Authenticator is free to use and available to download on both Android and iOS devices.
Google Authenticator is safe because your shared secret keys are encrypted, and a different TOTP is generated every time you try to sign in to a website or app. However, it's necessary to secure the device on which Google Authenticator is installed because anyone with access to your device could generate codes for your accounts.
To get your Google Authenticator code, download and install the Google Authenticator app on your device. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the Google Authenticator app and retrieve the code.
Google Authenticator is used for generating TOTPs to increase the security of online accounts through the two-factor authentication method. It helps secure your accounts by requiring you to enter a unique code it generates in addition to your regular username and password.
