I need to recover my backup codes, I lost my authenticator keys and backups.
Jack Wallen shows you how to use your backup codes.
2FA is a less than ideal security measure and has taken a beating recently.Part of the problem is that some 2FA codes are sent via text.
The 2FA system doesn't allow interaction with apps like Authy in some cases.They insist on sending you 2FA codes via text.This isn't an option for security-minded people.Some people don't think using the mobile apps is a good idea.You're dealing with an account associated with your business.
2FA backup codes can be used as an option.One such service is Google.7 backup codes can be used in the case of an emergency if you set up 2FA for Google.You can always generate more when you run out of codes.
I don't have to enter a 2FA code every time I log in if my browser is set as safe.I only need a code when I'm away from my office or setting up a new machine.I will use one of the 2FA emergency codes if I feel paranoid.I generate more when I run out.It's simple.
The first thing you'll need to do is retrieve those codes, if you didn't print them out.To do that, you need to log in to your account with the search engine, and then go to the 2FA site, where you'll be asked to sign in again.You'll see an entry for backup codes after successful verification.The show codes button is shown in Figure A.
Your 2FA emergency codes will be listed in a pop-up.You can either download them or print them.Only those codes you have not used will be shown on the list.It's handy.
If you choose to download the.txt file, I suggest you use a password to protect that file.If you want to see it, leave it on your local drive.The email address associated with the account is included in that file.On the off-chance someone stumbles upon the file and opens it, I highly recommend you remove that line.It's important that you don't make it easy for a bad actor to put two-and-two together.There is a line that looks similar.
The line could give away the secret to what those codes are for.Save and close the file after you've deleted those lines.It is less likely that your codes will be seen by the public.
Surprise!You will see a button labeled "Get new codes" in the same pop-up.Seven new codes will be generated if you click that button.
There is a tip.You should only use six of those codes if you want to get more codes.This is true if you don't use a mobile app for 2FA.You want to log in and generate more if you don't have that last key.
2FA isn't a perfect solution.If you can avoid using sites and services that send 2FA codes via SMS, you'll be less likely to have your codes stolen and used against you.You might consider using these codes only for 2FA.Nothing is ever 100% when it comes to security.
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