Setup 2-Factor Authentication

There are multiple options in regards to how you receive notifications - the easiest, in my opinion, is the Google Prompt, which is a notification that will pop up on your phone when you are trying to log into your Google account - you simply press the "Yes" or "Allow Access" button when it pops up, as seen to the right. This is available for Android phones signed into your school account, and iPhones with the Gmail or Google App signed in with your school account. Please note that these do not have to be the main or only Google account signed into your phone.

You can also use an Authenticator app, which is an application that will display verification codes even if your phone should be disconnected. This isn't a bad option, per se, but it does require you to type in the code from your phone's app to whatever system you're trying to log into. As you can see to the right, each login is separated and are not interchangeable, and each code changes after about 30 seconds.

You can also receive a text/phone call, but again this runs into the same issue that you'd need to type in the code to your computer/chromebook/etc. Also this option will not work if your phone is disconnected.

There is also the option of using a USB-flash drive as a security key. I do not recommend this option, generally speaking, as it requires that you have this one (1) very specific flash drive on you at all times to access your account. So if, for example, you are working from home due to covid or some other illness and do not have this flash drive, you will be unable to access your account. There are backup codes that you might be able to use in this instance, but there are overall better options available.

Please notify I.T. if you have any questions regarding these options, we'll be happy to discuss them with you!