An authenticator app is a method of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) that adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts. Keeper® can be used in place of Google Authenticator as it stores, generates and automatically fills your authentication code along with your login credentials.
Continue reading to learn about the downsides of Google Authenticator and why Keeper Password Manager is the better choice.
The downsides of Google Authenticator
Although Google Authenticator is a widely used method of authentication for users, its security issues have caused many inconveniences to its users. Here are some of the downsides of using Google Authenticator.
Lack of encryption
One of the biggest security issues surrounding Google Authenticator is its lack of encryption. Google Authenticator does not provide end-to-end encryption, which makes it susceptible to hackers. If there’s a data breach or someone compromises your Google account, all your 2FA secrets will be unprotected. For example, if a cybercriminal happens to access your 2FA QR code, which is the secret key used to generate one-time codes, they will be able to generate the same one-time code. This issue can lead to huge security risks for users such as account takeover or data leakage.
Can be inconvenient
Here are a few reasons why Google Authenticator can be an inconvenience.
- Only runs on a few platforms: Google Authenticator is typically only compatible with iOS and Android devices. Therefore, if you are using a Windows device, you won’t be able to install Google Authenticator and must look into different alternatives for MFA.
- Takes too long: Some users of Google Authenticator have reported that it takes too long to generate a one-time code, causing delays in the authentication process. This is inconvenient, especially when you need to access an account immediately.
Can Keeper® be used as an authenticator app?
Keeper Password Manager integrates authenticator app functionality right into its application, eliminating the need to juggle between applications and devices. With Keeper, you can easily scan the QR code directly into a record to have it automatically generate and save the code. From there, Keeper will fill in your 2FA code when you enter an application or website. Using Keeper ensures a secure authentication process as all your codes are stored in an encrypted vault.
Since Keeper is a multi-platform solution, there’s no need to worry about your codes not being available across devices. No matter what device you’re using, all you need to do is log in using your master password and your two-factor authentication code will be visible.
Why Keeper is a better alternative to Google Authenticator
Set up your authentication codes with Keeper
Keeper makes it simple to set up all your authentication codes in your records to securely store them. You can be assured that all your authentication codes in the vault are encrypted, backed up and synced to all your devices, eliminating the need to reset them if you lose or replace your device.
Protect your online accounts by investing in an authenticator application with full end-to-end encryption and a zero-knowledge security model – start a free 30-day trial of Keeper Password Manager today.
