Mountainburg Schools requires all faculty and staff to use a Google security feature called “2-Step Verification”. (Students are NOT required or allowed to use this feature!)
What is it? 2-step verification is a second layer of protection for the Google login process… In addition to your password, it requires you to have possession of a registered device (typically your cell phone) to verify that it’s really you attempting to sign in. You may already be using a system like this for things like online banking.
How often will you have to use it? When logging in, you will have the option to “remember this device”. If you utilize that feature, you will only be required to use 2-step verification one time on each device you use (unless you clear your cache & cookies, change your password, or Google suspects your account has been hacked). If you do not use the “remember this device” feature, you will be required to use the 2-step process every time you sign into Google.
How exactly does this work? You have several options for the 2nd step, including:
- Having a code sent to your phone via Text Message
- Using the Gmail app on your smartphone
- Using an authenticator app on your smartphone
You are welcome to use any of the available methods, but for simplicity, the following instructions will guide you through the process of having verification codes sent to your phone via text message:
Go to myaccount.google.com/security
Click on 2-Step Verification
Click the blue GET-STARTED button
You will be prompted to enter your email password. Then click NEXT
Enter your cell phone number, make sure “Text message” is selected and click NEXT
You will receive a text message from Google with a 6 digit code. Enter that in the box provided and then click NEXT
Click TURN ON
Congratulations… 2-Step Verification is now enabled and your data is much more secure!