Security: Enabling Google 2-Step Verification
Protecting our City Lifestyle accounts is a top priority. We require all team members to enable Google 2-Step Verification (2SV) to safeguard our data and maintain a secure work environment. This article will guide you through the process and explain why it's essential.
Why Google 2SV?
We require Google 2SV because protecting the sensitive data within our City Lifestyle accounts, including client information and proprietary content, is paramount. 2SV significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, ensuring our team's work and our clients' trust are safeguarded. By requiring 2SV, we collectively strengthen our team's security posture and demonstrate our commitment to protecting the City Lifestyle brand.
How to Enable Google 2SV:
Quick tip: want to visually see the steps? Click here to jump to guide!
- Access Your Google Account:
- Go to your Google Account settings by visiting myaccount.google.com.
- Sign in with your City Lifestyle credentials.
- Navigate to Security:
- In the left navigation panel, click on "Security".
- Enable 2-Step Verification:
- Under the "Signing in to Google" section, find "2-Step Verification" and click "Get Started."
- Follow the on-screen instructions to begin the setup process.
- Choose Your First Method (Phone):
- Google will prompt you to enter your phone number.
- Select whether you want to receive verification codes via text message (SMS) or phone call.
- Enter the verification code sent to your phone and click "Next."
- Choose Your Second Method (Google Prompt):
- It is vital that you set up a second method. Google strongly recommends Google Prompt.
- On the same "2 step verification" page, after you have enabled your phone, you will see "Google Prompt". Click setup.
- Ensure you are signed into your google account on a compatible mobile device (Android or iOS).
- Google will send a prompt to your device asking you to confirm your login.
- Follow the prompts on your mobile device to approve the sign-in.
- Turn On 2SV:
- Once you've completed the setup process, click "Turn On" to activate 2SV.
One thing that trips people up: if Google has ever asked you to "verify it's you" with a code sent to your phone, that is not the same as having 2-Step Verification turned on. That check is something Google runs on its own when a sign-in looks unusual. You are only enrolled once you have completed the steps above and your 2-Step Verification page shows it as on.
Additional Methods You Can Add
Once your phone and Google Prompt are set up, you can add any of the following from the same "2-Step Verification" page. These are optional, but each one gives you another way back into your account if you lose access to your phone.
- Passkey: Uses your device's own unlock — fingerprint, face, or screen lock — instead of a code. On the "2-Step Verification" page, find "Passkeys and security keys" and follow the prompts on the device you want to use. It is the fastest method to sign in with, and because there is no code to type, there is no code for anyone to talk you out of.
- Google Authenticator app: On the "2-Step Verification" page, find "Authenticator app" and click set up. Download the Google Authenticator app from your device's app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store), then follow the prompts to scan the QR code shown on your Google Account setup page, or enter the provided key. The app generates a verification code — enter it and click "Verify." Useful when you have no cell signal, since it does not need one.
- Backup codes: A set of single-use codes you can print or save somewhere safe. On the "2-Step Verification" page, find "Backup codes" and click set up. These are what get you back in when your phone is lost, broken, or out of service — worth setting up now rather than when you need them.
Important Notes:
- Minimum Two Methods: For optimal security, we require all team members to set up at least two 2SV methods: your phone and Google Prompt. Beyond those two, adding at least one of the methods below is strongly recommended.
- If you get locked out: start with Can't log in? Start here — it covers which password you are actually stuck on and when to write to support.
Resources:
- Setup 2SV on computer: https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/185839
- Setup 2SV on mobile device: https://guidebooks.google.com/online-security/protect-your-google-account/two-step-verification