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.
- I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
- Saudi Arabia wants China to help fund its struggling $500 billion Neom megaproject. Investors may not be too excited.
- Colon cancer rates are rising in young people. If you have two symptoms you should get a colonoscopy, a GI oncologist says.
- Catan adds climate change to the latest edition of the world-famous board game
- Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!
- Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!
- JNK India IPO allotment – How to check allotment, GMP, listing date and more
- Indian Army unveils selfie point at Hombotingla Pass ahead of 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas
- JNK India IPO allotment date
- JioCinema New Plans
- Realme Narzo 70 Launched
- Apple Let Loose event
- Elon Musk Apology
- RIL cash flows
- Charlie Munger
- Feedbank IPO allotment
- Tata IPO allotment
- Most generous retirement plans
- Broadcom lays off
- Cibil Score vs Cibil Report
- Birla and Bajaj in top Richest
- Nestle Sept 2023 report
- India Equity Market