Google Workspace 2-step Verification

Setting up 2-step verification on Google Workspace is a mandatory security procedure for all employees at MedTrainer. 2-step verification or 2-factor authentication as it is also known is a security challenge that is issued by a system for authenticating a user with two verification methods: something known and something that the user is or has in their possesion. Most instances of 2-step verification require the user to enter their password and then receive a code via SMS, phone call or from a generator app on their personal mobile device.

Prerequisites

Mobile device (iOS or Android)

Setup Procedure

In a web browser open the Google Workspace account settings page
On the left-hand side click on Security
Scroll down to the section titled How you sign in to Google and click on 2-Step Verification
Click on Get Started
Enter your password and click Next
Enter a phone number to receive a text message or a phone call and click Next
Enter the code that you received via message or phone call and click Next
Click Turn On to enable 2-Step verification

With this, 2-Step verification is enabled. Google Workspace will send a code via SMS or phone call any time you sign into the account. The account can also be set up to authenticate with codes generated by an app to cut down on SMS usage or phone cost or even if you don’t currently have mobile data.

Setting up an authenticator app for Google Workspace

Suggested compatible applications for 2-Step Verification

There are many authenticator apps that can work with Google Workspace to generate authentication codes; you may even be using some of them already. The list below contains authenticator apps that have been tested to work with Google Workspace though there may be others that also work for this purpose.

Name	iOS	Android

Name	iOS	Android
Google Authenticator	‎Google Authenticator	https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.authenticator2
1Password	‎1Password: Password Manager	https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.onepassword.android
Twilio Authy	‎Twilio Authy	Twilio Authy Authenticator - Apps on Google Play
Microsoft Authenticator	‎Microsoft Authenticator	Microsoft Authenticator - Apps on Google Play

Authenticator App Setup Procedure

To set up your authenticator app of choice, be sure to have it installed on your mobile device before attempting to link your Google Workspace account.

In a web browser open the Google Workspace account settings page
On the left-hand side click on Security
Scroll down to the section titled How you sign in to Google and click on Authenticator
Enter your password to validate your identity and click Next
Click on Set up authenticator
Scan the QR code with your authenticator app of choice. It should generate a six digit code every 30 seconds. If you are unable to scan the QR code, click on Can’t scan it? to get a key to enter into your app. Click Next when done.
Enter the code from your authenticator app and click Verify

After these steps have been completed, you will have three possible methods for authenticating your identity when logging in to your Google Workspace account (phone call, SMS message and authenticator app).