Google: 2-Step Verification
How it works
Log into your Avenues Google account using your Avenues username and password.
Enter a 6-digit code that will be sent to you via text, voice call, or Google’s mobile app called Authenticator, if you’re in 536 frequently and don’t get cell service there (available on iOS and Android).
You can choose to trust your computer when you enter the code -- this means you won't be asked for a code again when you sign in from this computer. If you sign in from another computer (or new mobile phone or tablet), however, you’ll be asked for a code.
You can choose to have multiple code types. Some people choose to have Text Messaging turned on in addition to an Authenticator app (this is recommended if you travel frequently - especially if you go abroad and may not have cell service). Having a backup phone number is helpful as well!
Protect your account with 2-Step Verification
Set up a backup phone
If your primary phone is ever unavailable Google can send a code to a backup line, like your home or work phone or even a family member's phone. To set one up,
Go to your Google 2-Step Verification settings page.
Click on Add a phone number in the Backup phones section.
Get backup codes
If you don't have access to your primary or backup phones, you can sign in with a backup code. To get your backup codes,
Go to your 2-Step Verification settings page.
Click on Show/Generate codes.
Store this code in a secure location, such as your home safe or a safety deposit box.
Creating application specific password for Google 2-step verification (for Apple Mail, iOS Mail, etc.)
We strongly recommend that all Avenues: New York employees use the Gmail Web-app and Gmail Android or iOS app to access their email. We recommend the same for calendaring: Google makes a great iOS or Android app for Google Calendar. We do not recommend using Apple Mail, iOS Mail, Apple Calendar, or any other third-party mail or calendar app for daily mail use. However, in the case that you decide to use Apple Mail, Apple Calendar, iOS Mail or iOS calendar to interact with your Avenues GSuite account, you will have to setup an application-specific password to authenticate to those applications. Google has made a great video about using apps with 2-Step Verification
What could go wrong?
Common questions about 2-Step verification
Can I do 2-step authentication with my personal GMail account too?
Yes! We encourage you to do so! The Google Authenticator app (available on iOS and Android) can be used for many accounts, not just Google ones. LastPass 2-factor authentication can use the Google Authenticator app, as an example. If you don’t love the Google Authenticator app, there are tons of others. For example, we also like Authy, which allows your codes to live on more than one device (e.g., a password-secured iPad AND your passcode-secured smartphone) - this is slightly less secure and does require you setup an account, though. If you setup an account with Authy, please use a password that is different than all your other passwords.
When do I need to enter a verification code? Do I need to enter the code every time I sign in?
You need to enter a new code every 30 days or after deleting your web browser's cookies. On the sign in page, click the option to "Remember verification for your computer" on your computer, and you won't have to re-enter your code for 30 days. Do not select this option for a public computer, such as a shared computer in an Internet cafe.
The verification code is used only to sign in to your Google Apps account and not any other of our company's applications.
Will my Avenues.org password change?
No, your password stays the same.
Will I have to do 2-Step Verification every time I log into my Avenues Google Account?
2-Step Verification will only be triggered whenever you try to login to a *new* device. For your passcode-secured phone or laptop, you can choose to “remember” your device - so you’ll only have to enter the codes when you login to a new device.
What if I don't have my mobile phone when I need to sign in or I have trouble with the codes?
During the setup process, you will receive codes that you can write down and use when you don't have your phone. Otherwise, you can contact Avenues Technology Department who can temporarily disable 2-Step Verification.
I just enrolled in 2-Step Verification, and now I can't access email on my phone.
First, we strongly recommend you give the Google Gmail app for iOS or Android a try.
Now, an explanation:
After you enroll in 2-Step Verification, for any mobile devices or desktop applications that stop accessing Google (including IMAP and POP email clients like Apple Mail or iOS Mail), create an application-specific password and enter it into the device/application instead of your normal password. This is a one-time process: Application-specific passwords.
Using apps with 2-Step Verification