How To Use a USB Stick To Securely Log In to Gmail.com

How To Use a USB Stick To Securely Log In to Gmail.com

In the event that you’ve configured two-step verification for the Gmail account, rather than checking your own mobile for codes you are able to plug in a confirmed USB stick instead. You are able to carry it wherever a person go, and of program, it doesn’t lose electric battery or signal. According in order to Google, it also provides better protection against phishing episodes. Here’s how you can work it.


What you need first is really a USB stick that’s suitable for the FIDO Universal second Factor (U2F) standard. A number of different models are obtainable, which shouldn’t break the actual bank—in this guide we’re while using Yubico Security Key. You’re also have to the latest version of Chrome (40+) in your Chrome OS, Windows, Macintosh OS, or Linux device.

How To Use a USB Stick To Securely Log In to Gmail.com

Head to the two-step verification page out of your Google account portal: it’s under Signing into Google. If you don’t curently have the two-step process started up, it’s time to enhance your account security and work it. If you have the extra layer of security already in position, Security Key appears among the alternative options along the the surface of the settings page.

Choose Add Security Key to start the setup process. Click on the Register button, push your key right into a spare USB port, then tap the button about the stick itself. Click Done and you’re just about all set—whenever Google’s two-step confirmation process kicks in (usually whenever you’re signing in from the new computer), you can use the stick instead of the Authenticator app in your phone.

The same key may be used with multiple accounts but obviously keep a safe watch in your backup codes and possess the Authenticator app all set as well should your ultra-secure USB keyring proceed missing. In places where you can’t make use of the stick—on phone and pills, for example—you’ll be prompted for any verification code instead.