# Secure your Google account with 2-Step Verification

2-Step Verification (also known as two-factor authentication) is an extra security feature in Google Workspace, which is mandated by the MDYHS IT Department. Enabling 2-Step Verification nearly eliminates the risk of unwanted individuals gaining access to your email or documents stored in Google Drive.

### <svg aria-label="Heading anchor" enable-background="new 0 0 20 20" height="16" role="img" viewbox="0 0 20 20" width="16" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"></svg>How it works

<div data-role="steps-container" id="bkmrk-extra-protection-is-"><div data-role="steps-container"><div data-role="steps-container"><div data-step-uuid="b66dc35b-bc9a-46db-9ac2-bab30012bf2a"><div>- Extra protection is offered by requiring you to both have something (your phone) and know something (your password) before being allowed into your account.
- You'll keep others out of your account since Google will ask for a verification code anytime access to your account is requested from another device that you have not "trusted.**"**

</div></div></div></div></div>### Set up 2-Step verification

You will need your mobile phone to complete the process.

Follow Google's instructions for [setting up 2-Step Verification](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/9096865?hl=en&ref_topic=1099588&visit_id=636828306420603515-1452072110&rd=1).

If you use third-party applications (like Thunderbird or Outlook) to access Google mail, you will need to authorize the application or device the first time you use it after setting up 2-step verification. Follow Google's instructions for [signing in using App Passwords](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/185833?hl=en).<svg aria-label="Heading anchor" enable-background="new 0 0 20 20" height="16" role="img" viewbox="0 0 20 20" width="16" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"></svg>Useful tips

<div data-role="steps-container" id="bkmrk-to-use-the%C2%A0google-au"><div data-role="steps-container"><div data-step-uuid="5797470a-697b-4838-ba8d-a4e83a3ff5ee"><div>- To use the [Google Authenticator App](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/1066447?hl=en) on your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad, you must have iOS 5.0 or later.
- Be sure to include a backup phone number (or two) during the setup process in case your primary phone is lost or stolen or you replace your phone.
- Print off backup codes during the setup process and store them in a secure place in case your phone is lost or stolen or you replace your phone.

</div><div>  
</div></div></div></div>See Google's Account Help for [more information about 2-Step Verification](https://support.google.com/accounts/topic/7189195?hl=en&ref_topic=3382253&visit_id=636828306420603515-1452072110&rd=1).