I like the idea that an extra layer of security exists on my Google logon and its many associated accounts. I really only made use of the added protection once or twice. I remember trying to access my gmail from a computer lab at BCIT and needing to check my phone for the code which arrived by text message. Of course on a daily basis, I don't need to log on to services as I work from a trusted computer and Android devices. However, it is nice knowing that someone attempting to hack my accounts would be thwarted because the additional code was not available.It really didn't dawn on me that for three months, I've been using a local, Mexican phone number. I removed my Mobilicity SIM and went with an Amigo TELCEL account for the duration of our stay. Of course that means that I cannot receive text messages sent to my old phone number. That sort of negates the usefulness of two-step verification. I do, of course, have a list of emergency codes. Yet, I decided I needed a better method for two-step verification.
I downloaded the Google Authenticator app. I will always have access to it regardless of my current mobile number. As long as there's Internet, I can get my temporary code displayed in the app. Should I not have Internet access, then I really don't need the codes anyway, right?
Today, I decided to add 2-step verification to Facebook and Dropbox as well.