Setting Up 2FA on Google Workplace and Microsoft Office

Cloud platforms have become almost a necessity for most modern businesses. They allow organizations the ability to scale their infrastructure whenever needed while also giving them on-demand access to a number of great tools and solutions.

However, relying more on cloud-enabled solutions doesn’t just bring with it new levels of efficiency. It can also open up the doors to increased vulnerabilities to cyber threats. One of the most effective ways to help reduce these potential security issues is by implementing two-factor authentication on the tools and platforms you use.

What is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)?

Most people by now have seen the term two-factor authentication, or 2FA, used when logging into their online accounts or when signing up for certain services.

For those who don’t know, 2FA is a security protocol designed to provide an additional layer of data protection against anyone trying to obtain unauthorized access to online accounts. If setting up a password is like locking the door to your house, 2FA is like installing an alarm system that will detect an actual intrusion.

When you apply 2FA to your online accounts, you can add an additional requirement to gain access rather than just knowing the password. This additional security feature is a real-time authentication protocol that requires third-party validation, such as a digital fingerprint on your phone or a time-sensitive verification code from an authenticator application.

The goal of 2FA is to significantly reduce unauthorized entry into a system by verifying (in real time) that the person on the other end is a legitimate user.

What Types of Cloud Platforms Can 2FA Be Applied?

When 2FA was first introduced back in the early 2000s, not many online platforms had the technology available to support 2FA infrastructure. However, today, 2FA has become the new gold standard for securing any digital environment that relies on some level of user authentication.

Considering the interconnected nature of popular cloud-based platforms, 2FA is a common protocol that can be applied when using popular productivity tools like Google Workplace and Microsoft Office.

With so many companies now relying on these tools to keep their in-house and remote teams connected, taking the time to make sure this security feature is properly configured can be vital when trying to reduce your organization’s attack surface and when placing additional safeguards on your employees’ data privacy.

Configuring 2FA for Google Workplace and Microsoft Office

Productivity tools like Google Workplace and Microsoft Office place a high value on security. Because of this, they’ve made it easy for anyone to enable 2FA functionality for their own accounts, for businesses, and for all company employees.

Below, we’ll guide you through the basic step-by-step process for enabling this security feature on your accounts:

Setting Up 2FA on Google Workplace

1. The first step you’ll need to take is to log into your Google Workplace account and navigate to your security settings by clicking on your profile picture in the top right corner. Once located, you’ll need to click on “Security & Privacy.”
2. In the Security & Privacy section of your account, you’ll find a section titled “2-Step Verification.” Click this section and you’ll be prompted to re-enter your standard password for confirmation.
3. You’ll have a few options to choose from when verifying additional information for your account – to be prompted by a phone call, using a USB security key fob, or verifying through an authenticator app (most common). Choose the option that’s best for you.
4. Follow the on-screen prompt to configure the 2FA protocol. Google will also provide a special code you can use in the event that your device is lost or stolen. Be sure to save this code somewhere safe and where you can retrieve it when necessary.
5. Once you’ve completed these steps, your account(s) will now be configured to use 2FA when users log into the platform.

Setting Up 2FA on Microsoft Office

Note : Current customers please skip steps 1 and 2 and proceed to step 3.

1. To get started using 2FA on your Microsoft Office account(s), you’ll need to sign into your Microsoft account and click on “Advanced Security Options.”
2. Navigate to the “Additional Security” section and click on “Two-step Verificatio” You’ll then need to select the “Turn On” feature slider.
3. You will be given a series of prompts to set up 2FA on your account. Part of the setup process will require you to scan a QR code with a mobile device, after which it will give you options for choosing the 2FA method you prefer.
4. Depending on whether or not you are using Office 365, you will have a number of conditional access policies you can define when telling the system how you would like it to respond to log-in attempts from your users. Define any risk-based conditional access restrictions you need by following the prompts.

By following these simple steps, you can make a significant difference in the level of protection you’re getting when using popular cloud services. The process doesn’t take long to complete and will help your business to keep its employees and sensitive data safe from unauthorized access.

At LDD, we understand the importance of securing your digital assets. If you need assistance in setting up 2FA on Google Workplace, Microsoft Office, or any other platform, our expert team is here to help. Contact us today for support at 505-792-2375.