That Time When Google's Extra Password Security Locked Me Out Of My Gmail
But sometimes it's the things you do to protect yourself that can foul you up.
I was recently traveling on business trip, holed up in location that didn't have cell reception.
I plugged my computer into the available Ethernet network. Not usually a problem. Google, trying to protect me, noticed I was on a new network and locked me out of my email, calendar, contacts. It wanted me to type in a special code to verify my password.
A common recommendation to keep your password safe from hackers to use what's known as two-factor authentication. The website will send you a one-time code to use with your regular login. Companies using Google can even make this a mandatory security setting for all employees.
It's a great idea, unless you have no backup plan for when it goes wrong.
When I turned on two-factor authentication, I chose the easiest options: to have Google text my special code to my mobile and to use my husband's phone as my backup.
When I tried to access my Gmail that day, I had no cell reception and couldn't get a text. And I couldn't call my husband and get him to text me a code sent to him.
To its credit, Google has thought of these problems (unknown to me at the time. I had been using two-step for more than a year without any problems).
It offers an the Google Authenticator app that generates the codes on your phone. It works even when the phone is in airplane mode.
Business Insider/Julie Bort
But, the app won't help you if you lose your phone.
Google has a solution for that, too. You can use pre-approved codes as long as you download them in advance. (A step that I didn't do.)
Business Insider/Julie Bort
Google also warns people not use a Google Voice number with two-step verification, or you could lock yourself out completely. Google will be asking for a code that is shut away in your Google voice account.
Next time I travel, I'll be ready.
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