Google Authenticator

With authenticators like Google Authenticator, you have an alternative for receving SMSs or phone calls, concerning two factor authentication (2FA). It's called token-based 2FA

Why?

Reason for me to use token-based 2FA in stead of SMS- or phone call based 2FA:

• I can keep my phone switched off
• I can use 2FA (when I have to, like for Amazon's Seller Central) when there is no mobile network.

You can share the settings with multiple devices. E.g., I can have the authenticator app on my tablet syncronized with the app on my phone - So I really can leave my phone switched off.

How it works

You don't need to do anything to authenticate the authenticator - The fact that it is an app on a phone (with a certain telephone number) is all the authentication that is needed.

On sites where you want to use the authenticator:

• Log in
• Go to settings, or my account or whatever, and indicate that you want to use an authentication app
• Scan the QR code that the site offers, or the entrance code
• Next time you want to log in that site, indicate that you want to do so with an authenticator.

Sources

• https://www.tomsguide.com/us/google-authenticator-how-to-use,news-26819.html
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h000FgWyKJA - Faculty of Apps: How To Use Google Authenticator - Beginners Guide (2022)