Google Authenticator adds a much-needed security feature for digital logins

One-time codes are generated by Google Authenticator, an app that lets you securely access your accounts. If you want to boost the safeguarding of your accounts on the internet, you must have it because it makes it more difficult for hackers to access them, regardless of whether they manage to get their hands on your passwords.

Since your one-time codes were previously solely stored on your phone, Google Authenticator had a drawback that could be highly problematic if you needed backup codes. However, it was possible to export the codes to another device, which was only a small help if the cell phone were to be lost or stolen.

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As long as you are logged into your Google Account, you may access your Google Authenticator codes from any phone because they are now saved in the cloud.

“One major piece of feedback we’ve heard from users over the years was the complexity in dealing with lost or stolen devices that had Google Authenticator installed,” wrote Google’s Group Product Manager Christiaan Brand in a blog post “With this update, we’re rolling out a solution to this problem, making one-time codes more durable by storing them safely in users’ Google Accounts.”

The operative word in this sentence is “safely,” yet not everyone will be comfortable with the concept of having their priceless one-time codes kept in the cloud. Hence, the app now allows you to store your codes on your phone, if you like, as the account syncing is optional.

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Simply update the app and follow the on-screen steps to connect to your Google account in Authenticator to synchronise your Google Authenticator with your Google Account. When your account is cloud-synchronised, a green cloud icon will appear in the top right corner of the screen. Both iOS and Android support the new features.

The Authenticator has received a new logo that is considerably different from the previous “G that’s also a vault door” logo and more in line with Google’s other products, as you’ll also note.