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Forums › IT Pro and developers › Google sms verification codes - why/how?

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#143781 26-Apr-2014 22:24
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I signed into an account with google docs and was prompted to send a verification code to my mobile. I did this time. But also there is a 'skip' function which I often use, and I can access the account after using this anyway. What benefit does it provide if it can be skipped?

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  #1031835 26-Apr-2014 22:52
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It may be just for password recovery purposes.  If your gmail account is locked out, and you don;t have access to the 'backup' email account you specified years ago when setting up the gmail address, how do you set a new password or receive a temporary one?  How about to a kn own and recently tested cellphone number...?  :)




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  #1031836 26-Apr-2014 22:58
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That makes sense. It is not clear the prompt is to verify the number, it is presented as a security question. But that must be it.

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  #1031849 27-Apr-2014 00:50
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It is for recovery only. If you want better security then go to accounts and enabled Authenticator (2FA). You will also get a table with one time codes that can be used in case your smartphone disappears/lost/no battery.

Twitter can use the mobile for 2FA (you get a SMS whenever you login). Facebook can use either or both the SMS and 2FA. There was a recent discussion where people posted which services they have 2FA enabled.




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  #1031895 27-Apr-2014 10:11
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Yep. Known. Unfortunately the only 2nd factor offered by Google is sms.

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  #1031911 27-Apr-2014 10:15
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Actually Google offers Authenticator (an app that runs on Android, iOS, Windows Phone). SMS is not the 2FA, but a backup option.




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  #1032257 27-Apr-2014 22:20
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Hmm. I may have been ignoring it due to not having mobile reception all the time. I see also there are some preallocated 2fa codes I can use. This is good.

 
 
 
 

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  #1032259 27-Apr-2014 22:26
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Google Authenticator does not need any data connection. The number is generated on your device based on a key exchanged when you register it.





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  #1032262 27-Apr-2014 22:32
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But this is better! : ).

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