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Secure your UIndy Google account with 2-Step Verification

Anyone with a UIndy Google account is required to enroll in Google 2-Step Verification.  Enrollment is required within the first 30 days of account creation. 

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a digital security best practice that helps ensure that UIndy's digital assets are safeguarded and requires the user to provide two or more verification factors to log into an account.  Google's 2-Step Verification is MFA for Google Apps and enabling it nearly eliminates the risk of unwanted individuals gaining access to your email or documents stored in Google Drive.

Set up 2-step verification

You will need your mobile phone to complete the process.

Follow Google's instructions for setting up 2-Step Verification.

If you use third-party applications (like Thunderbird or Outlook) to access Google mail, you will need to authorize the application or device the first time you use it after setting up 2-step verification. Follow Google's instructions for signing in using App Passwords.

Choose a second verification step

You can select which verification option works best for you. Options include phone prompt, text message (SMS) or call, and security key. Please keep in mind that text message (SMS) may not be the best option if you're working in a building with poor data connections.

Set up backup verification methods

Backup verification methods help you get back into your account if you forget your password, lose your phone, or can’t sign in for another reason. If you have a backup verification method, you’re less likely to get locked out of your account. See Google's documentation on how to set up backups.

See our UIndyIT: Two-step verification video
How it works
  • Extra protection is offered by requiring you to both have something (your phone) and know something (your password) before being allowed into your account.
  • You'll keep others out of your account since Google will ask for a verification code anytime access to your account is requested from another device that you have not "trusted."

Useful tips

  • To use the Google Authenticator App on your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad, you must have iOS 5.0 or later.
  • Be sure to include a backup phone number (or two) during the setup process in case your primary phone is lost or stolen or you replace your phone.
  • Print off backup codes during the setup process and store them in a secure place in case your phone is lost or stolen or you replace your phone.

See Google's Account Help for more information about 2-Step Verification.