Setting up 2FA for Google and Microsoft

We’ve written articles on the importance of two-factor authentication, but from time to time, we like to share how-to articles to help you implement these features. Two-factor authentication may seem a bit excessive, but it increases the security of your devices and accounts exponentially. Below you’ll learn how to create two-factor authentication for your Google and Microsoft accounts.

Two-Factor Authentication for Google

Before we get started, consider everything that’s in your Gmail account. How catastrophic would it be if someone hacked into your account and locked you out? They could have access to all your contacts, contracts, photos, etc. It’s enough to make you shudder. If that information in your Gmail is worth protecting, adding two-factor authentication is a no-brainer.

Step 1: To get started, head over to the 2FA webpage and click the “get started” button in the top right corner.

Step 2: You’ll need to sign into your Google account with your password.

Step 3: Add your phone number. After your phone number is added, Google will send a “prompt” message to your phone when you log in. You can also add other backup methods such as a voice call or text message to your phone or other device if you are unable to answer the prompt.

Step 4: Accept the prompt on your phone or other device and you’re good to go.

Step 5 (optional): To add extra security, Google can also generate printable one-time passcodes that will allow you access to accounts when your phone isn’t available — you know, for those times your phone is on airplane mode during a cross country flight. Here are all your additional options listed below:

Two-Factor Authentication for Microsoft

Step: 1 After you sign into your Microsoft account, go to “view account.”

Step 2: There should be a tab named Security Info or Security Settings. When you get there, you will see an option to setup two-factor authentication. Click on the link.

Step 3: After you click on the link, you will be prompted to add a phone or different method for your two-factor authentication:

Step 4: After you add your phone number, Microsoft will send you a text, or call, with a verification code. After you input the code you received, your two-factor will be set up and your account will have the added security of 2FA.

Easy-peasy. We hope you add this protection to your accounts if you haven’t already. It goes a long way in keeping your accounts safe and providing peace of mind.