If you're a heavy Google user, your Google account is kind of a big deal. It's the gatekeeper to your email, and your Google+ account, important files, online photo storage...that Google account is your life. With so much at stake, you probably want to keep hackers as far away as possible. Two-factor authentication can help.
Two-factor authentication—called 2-step verification in Google's parlance—adds a second step to your Google login. Not only do you have to enter your username and password, but also a single-use security code, which usually gets sent to your phone via an app or text message. In return for the extra effort, you'll get an extra layer of protection that can help keep hackers out of your persona data.
Setting up 2-step verification
If you have an account for any of Google's services (Gmail, Google+, and so on), the setting up 2-step verification fairly straightforward. Start by visiting Google.com, and press the blue Sign In button in the upper right hand corner, and log in. Once signed in, look for your profile picture in the upper right corner and click it, then select Account from the menu that appears. (If you didn't set a photo to go with your account, you'll see a generic sillouette in its place).
Click the Edit link to get started.
Once you're at the Accounts settings page, select Security from the list along the left. Click the Edit link next to the 2-step verification heading to begin the process of setting it up. Google will give you a brief pictoral overview of what to expect: Give it a once-over, then press Start setup when you're ready to rock.
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