How to Set Up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) in your Google Account

The provided text offers a comprehensive guide on enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for Google accounts, emphasizing enhanced security. It details the necessary items for setup, such as a computer and phone, before outlining step-by-step instructions for accessing security settings and turning on 2-Step Verification. The source explains various verification methods, including text messages, the Google Authenticator app, and physical security keys like YubiKey, providing specific instruc

What You Need:

• Your computer

• Your phone

• Internet connection

Steps:

1. Open your web browser and go to your Google Account.

   • Be sure to login to your LCC Google account using your LCC email address. 

2. Access Security Settings:

   • In the left-hand navigation panel, click on Security.

 

3. Turn On 2-Step Verification:

   • Find the section called "Signing in to Google" and click on 2-Step Verification.

   • Click Get Started and follow the instructions.

4. Choose Your Verification Method. 

   • You can choose to get codes on your phone, use a special key, or use an app called Google Authenticator.
     

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   • Text Message:

     1. In the 2-Step Verification settings, click Add a phone number.

     2. Enter your phone number and choose if you want to get codes by text message or voice call.

     3. Click Next.

     4. Google will send a code to your phone. Enter this code on your computer and click Verify.

   • Google Authenticator:

      There are other brands of authenticator apps that will work with Google such as Duo, Okta, and InterceptX. Use whichever app you prefer. Caution: Microsoft has recently changed their authenticator app so that it only works with Microsoft accounts. 

     1. Download the Google Authenticator app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

     2. Open the app and tap Get Started.On your computer, click Set up authenticator.

     3. A QR code (a square barcode) will show up on your screen.

     4. Open the Google Authenticator app, tap Scan a QR code, and scan the QR code on your computer screen.

     5. Verify the Setup: The app will show a code. Enter this code on your computer and click Verify.

   • YubiKey:

     1. Plug in your YubiKey: 

        1. Insert your YubiKey into a USB port on your computer.

     2. Follow the on-screen instructions: Google will guide you through the setup process for your specific YubiKey.

5. Backup Options:

   • Set up backup options like backup codes or a secondary phone number in case you lose your phone.

These steps should help you set up Google MFA easily. If you have any questions or need more help, please reach out to the IT Helpdesk.

 

Additional help:

Here are some YouTube videos that can also help with completing the setup.

1. ANDROID Google Authenticator Install and MFA Set Up:

   1. This video outlines the steps to add Google Authenticator to an Android smartphone and set up MFA.

   2. Watch the video 

2. iPHONE Google Authenticator Install and MFA Set Up:

   1. This video shows how to install and set up Google Authenticator on an iPhone.

   2. Watch the video 

3. How To: Setup Multi-Factor Authentication on Google:

   1. This step-by-step tutorial explains how to enable two-factor authentication on your Google account using various methods.

   2. Watch the video