Advice Request Securing Gmail accounts with 2FA- what is the best App to use ?

[jetman]

I would like to secure 2 or 3 Gmail accounds with two factor authentication. However, does anyone have opinions on the best authenticator App for this purpose ?

My intention was to recieve the 2FA codes on 2 devices (I have an iphone and ipad) and I woud normally log into Gmail on a Windows computer.

Google Authenticator has the strong advantage of being made specifically for use with Gmail and other Google services so should work seamlessly with them. Furthermore, Google has the resources to keep the service updated and secure over the long term. It should be around for as long as Gmail exists.

However, I have heard that Google Authenticator can be awkward to use on multiple devices. The reports I read suggest it is also difficult when you lose or change your device. This has made me consider third party authenticator apps as well (although I am nervous as they are not specifically made for Google and I don't want to get locked out).

Others I have heard of include Microsoft Authenticator and Authy.

Any comments appreciated.

 

[silversurfer]

I'm using "Microsoft Authenticator" for all possible online accounts as mobile-app (included backup feature) for iOS, always has been working fine!

 

[SerialCart]

I am an iPhone user and IMO the best app is “OTP auth”.

It comes with back up feature and you will select where to save the backup.

I for example save the backups on my NextCloud.

 

[mkoundo]

i've been using onelogin protect since it was suggested to me for work but works perfectly with gmail, outlook, paypal, dropbox and amazon (probably more but these are the one i've tried).

it lets you backup your 2fa settings to your google drive.

although I am nervous as they are not specifically made for Google and I don't want to get locked out)

google lets you setup backup options in case you lose your 2fa. Backup options include ten one-time passcodes which you should save somewhere safe when you set up your 2fa. In addition, you can setup a backup phone number to receive a passcode via text message.

 

[jetman]

Thanks for your answers so far. I'll check up on the things that have been mentioned.
One question- does Microsoft Authenticator let you sync between devices ? I read that Authy lets you save a profile in the cloud which makes it easier if you buy a new phone or lose the old one etc ? Google appearently doesn't do this.

 

[silversurfer]

Thanks for your answers so far. I'll check up on the things that have been mentioned.
One question- does Microsoft Authenticator let you sync between devices ? I read that Authy lets you save a profile in the cloud which makes it easier if you buy a new phone or lose the old one etc ? Google appearently doesn't do this.

Yes, "Microsoft Authenticator" is able to sync via your iCloud, please check link below:

Back up account credentials in Microsoft Authenticator - Microsoft Support

docs.microsoft.com

 

[simmerskool]

I've been using Authy on iphone for a few years, hasn't failed me yet.

 

[L0ckJaw]

Microsoft Authenticator. Simply the best.

 

[ForgottenSeer 85179]

andOTP from F-Droid
Or (similar) Aegis from F-Droid
Both are best offline Apps

Avoid sync with 2FA because of security

 

[Lemon60]

OTP Auth (iOS)
Aegis (Android)
WinAuth (Windows)

 

[Marko :)]

OTP Auth (iOS)
Aegis (Android)
WinAuth (Windows)

Aegis is great 2FA app. I'm currently using Google Authenticator app, but I'm planning to make a switch once they add a backup feature.

 

[Ink]

Use Google Prompt for faster 2SV.

Sign in with Google prompts - Android - Google Account Help

When you sign in to your Google Account, you can tap a notification on your phone to confirm it’s you. You can use Google prompts to sign in: With your phone instead of a password In

support.google.com

Both can backup and sync to your account:

• LastPass Authenticator
• Microsoft Authenticator

Only download the Official apps from the Google Play or App Store.

 

[CyberTech]

(although I am nervous as they are not specifically made for Google and I don't want to get locked out).

Have you used Authenticator before? You should use backup code or locked out that's why i would suggest you to put the code in the note or something, watch it on Youtube tutorial


Well i'm using Authy (iOS and Windows)

For information

Features - Authy

Learn about how to use our free app to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) and add an additional layer of protection beyond passwords.

authy.com

Sync Multiple devices

Multiple Devices - Authy

authy.com

 

[ForgottenSeer 85179]

WinAuth (Windows)

Not longer maintained since 1? 2? Years

 

[Lemon60]

Not longer maintained since 1? 2? Years

4 year, but still good i didnt find alternative (offline).

 

[samit]

Microsoft Authenticator is one of the best out there but there is one drawback. If you use both Android and iOS device, it won't sync on cross platform. MS Authenticator iOS app backup in iCloud while the Android version backup in OneDrive.

 

[ForgottenSeer 85179]

Totally forgot:
Best 2FA is using hardware token like Nitrokey, Solokey, Yubikey.

If Google support Webauthn for Gmail, even passsord-less login with only the hardware key is possible. This isn't then of course a 2FA but a very secure login method without any weakness from password based login.

 

[Thales]

Bitwarden Pro what else...
2 birds with one stone

 

[samit]

Totally forgot:
Best 2FA is using hardware token like Nitrokey, Solokey, Yubikey.

If Google support Webauthn for Gmail, even passsord-less login with only the hardware key is possible. This isn't then of course a 2FA but a very secure login method without any weakness from password based login.

It would be great if Gmail implemented it because right now as far as I know only Outlook supports password less login.

 

[Ink]

Bitwarden Pro what else...
2 birds with one stone

Link?

I don't see it on the website.