TIL my 2FA setup was garbage after I got my account locked out

I had Google Authenticator on my phone for my email and work stuff, thought that was good enough. Then my phone bricked last Tuesday and I couldn't get into anything for 3 days while support sorted it. Anyone else switch to a backup method like hardware keys or printed codes after getting burned?

2 comments

2 Comments

fiona_webb24d ago

Used to roll my eyes at the printed code crowd but after getting locked out of my bank for a week I finally get it lol. Printed backup codes live in my wallet now.

simoncarr24d ago

Three times I had to sit on hold with my phone company because their 2FA app updated and wiped my codes... 35 minutes each call. The weird thing nobody talks about is how printed codes can actually be MORE secure than the authenticator apps. Those apps store everything on one device, so if your phone dies or gets stolen you're totally locked out. With paper you can split them up, keep one in your wallet and one in a drawer at home. Still paranoid though, I write mine in pencil so I can erase them after using...