Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a method in which the user must enter another authentication factor in addition to the usual password to log in to the online account or application. Authentication factors are divided into three groups:
- What you know (like a password)
- What you have (like a cell phone)
- What you are (for example, a fingerprint or any other biometric method).
Google Authenticator tutorial and how to work with it
In the 2FA method, instead of one factor (what you know), two factors (what you know + what you have) are considered, namely the password and access to the phone. As a result, hackers will be prevented from infiltrating online accounts.
Two-factor authentication is an additional security layer in which a unique code is displayed in a specific application on a user’s mobile phone or other smart devices. Having this code, along with a password and username, is required to log in to accounts where FA 2 is enabled.
Google Authenticator is an efficient application designed and published by Google and used for websites or services with two-factor authentication. For example, all major social networks and websites like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Gmail, and some cryptographic accounts like Quinbase and Bainance support 2FA. Enabling this method with this account is critical to protecting these accounts.
Google Authenticator could be very useful, but, sadly, Google has not yet released an official desktop application. However, you can use Google Authenticator on your Windows PC in other ways. This article will look at ways to use Google Authenticator on a computer.
Transfer 2FA to your computer
To do this, you will need the “secret code” of Google Authenticator. With this code, code makers can create code that works with Google.
Go to the Google Account security page to get the secret code. Go to the Signing into Google section and click on 2-Step Verification.
If Google knows that a phone is connected to your account, it will guide you through the steps to set up the phone notification service.
After completing the steps, you will have the chance to launch the Authenticator program. While we will not download the entire program, we must pretend that we have received the secret key. Click Set up.
Review the commands to be asked to scan the QR code. Under the code, Can’t scan it? Click.
On the next page, look for the hidden key and copy it. This is what you need to enter as a key when entering third-party applications. Be sure to keep it a secret. If someone else gets this information, they can use it to sign in to your account!
1- with
If you are worried that a third-party application may steal your code or share it with others, try WinAuth. The most important advantage of WinAuth is that it is an open-source application. There is no obscure code or cloud storage that can share your key with others.
With is very easy to set up. Once done, add a new Google Account.
Enter your private key, then click the Verify Authenticator button. Continue setting up your Google Account and enter the code that WinAuth gives you.
Copy the generated one-time password, paste it into your Google Security Settings page, then click Verify and Save to confirm the generated code.
If everything goes well, Google will show you a confirmation window that will notify you. Just click the OK button to save the changes to your Google Account.
Return to the WinAuth window: Now that you have verified the generated code, click the OK button to save the changes to the WinAuth program.
As soon as you click the OK button, WinAuth opens a Protection window that allows you to set a password to encrypt files saved by WinAuth. This blocks unauthorized access. Enter the password twice and click the OK button to save the changes. You can also set WinAuth to encrypt files. This way, it will only be usable on the current computer, but using a password is much more useful.
You can now use Google Authenticator using WinAuth.
2- WinOTP Authenticator
Download link for Windows
WinOTP Authenticator is for Windows 10, and you can download it directly from the Microsoft Store. Click the “+” button below to add a new service. While this app claims that it can read QR codes, it does not work for me, but try to see if it works for you.
Otherwise, all you have to do is enter your service name, username, and code. Then, everything is ready. For the service name and username, you can choose what you want, but be sure to choose the service name so that it is recognizable.
3- Authy
download link
If you want to sync your mobile and PC code, try Authy. You can use it on your computer, but it asks for phone information when registering. If you have Authy on your phone, you can quickly sync your data between two devices.
In the PC version of Authy, click on the plus icon at the top right.
Insert the secret key in the box.
You can name your account and assign it a color. Once you launch it, you will have a Google Code.
4- Guth Authenticator
Plugin download link for Google Chrome
If you are looking for something for your browser, you can try GAuth Authenticator. You can install it as a Chrome extension or web application.
Adding an authenticator to Guth is easy. First, click on the pencil at the top right and then Add.
When done, you will have an active authenticator.