For anyone that has a Google account, setting up two-factor authentication is one of the best things to do. Two-factor authentication (often referred to as 2FA) is now available for a lot of online accounts and while, it should be enabled wherever possible, it's especially important when it comes to Google. Seeing as how Google accounts are used for things like Gmail, YouTube, AdSense, and countless other services, ensuring it's protected as much as possible is a good idea.

Two-factor authentication is essentially another layer of security that makes it even tougher for someone to gain access to an account without permission. After a user enters their password, 2FA requires them to confirm that it is actually them trying to access the account. This can be done by users being sent a text message with a unique code that needs to be entered, having that code generated through a dedicated 2FA app, and more.

Related: How To Change Google Account Password

With that in mind, let's get back to getting 2FA set up for a Google account. To get started, head to Google on a computer, click the profile icon in the upper-right corner, and then click 'Manage your Google Account.' Once that new page is done loading, look at the left side of the screen and click 'Security.' Under the section titled 'Signing in to Google,' click '2-Step Verification.' The next page asks users to click a 'Get Started' button, along with a prompt to re-enter the account password. Once that's all done, a page pops up with the available two-factor authentication methods. On this page, click 'Continue' to use two-factor authentication with Google's device prompts. Google will then send a prompt to a device that's also associated with the account (such as an Android phone or an iPhone) where users are asked to confirm they're trying to sign in. After confirming this, Google then gives the ability to enter a phone number as a backup option.

Make Sure To Use Device Prompt For Google 2FA

Google two-factor authentication

Google allows users to set up two-factor authentication in a few different ways, including a prompt on a smartphone, using a physical security key, or getting a text message with the 2FA code. Out of those options, it's recommended to use the device prompt. It's a lot more secure than getting a code via SMS text message, more convenient than needing a physical 2FA key, and generally strikes the best overall balance for most users. Users will enter their password, confirm on their other device that it's them trying to sign in, and that's all there is to it. It's fast, simple, and highly secure since only that specific device can be used to authorize the login.

Now that all of that's done, two-factor authentication is officially set up for that Google account. This can be edited at any time by going back to the Privacy page for the account, and if for some reason someone decides they want to disable 2FA, that can be done too. Considering how much more security is provided by having two-factor authentication enabled, though, it's encouraged that users leave it be and keep it going.

Next: More iPhone & Android Apps Leaking User Data: What You Need To Know

Source: Google