The two-factor authentication service Google Authenticator has finally received the long-awaited synchronization function with a Google account. Thus, when setting up a new smartphone, the user will only need to log in to his account, after which Authenticator will automatically synchronize data and be ready for work. This eliminates the need for manual configuration and data transfer. Previously, in case of loss or damage of the old smartphone, it was very problematic to transfer data to a new device.

Although the Authenticator tool was launched back in 2010, there was no cloud sync option until now. For many years, users have asked for such an option, which would make it easier to work with the service in case of theft or loss of the device.

“Since the one-time codes in Authenticator were only stored on one device, the loss of that device meant that users lost the ability to sign in to any service where they had set up 2FA with Authenticator. In this update, we’re implementing a solution to this problem by making one-time codes more secure by securely storing them in users’ user accounts,” said Google’s Christian Brand.

To enable cloud sync for two-factor codes, you need to install the latest version of Authenticator for Android or iOS. The support page says that “if you’re signed in to your Google Account with Google Authenticator, your codes will be automatically saved and restored on any new device you use.”

However, the convenience of cloud syncing potentially comes with additional risk. By hacking a Google account, attackers can also gain access to many sensitive accounts. A Google representative clarified that account synchronization is not mandatory. So users set their own priorities – the convenience of data transfer or a higher level of security.

The new version of Google Authenticator also changed the logo. Instead of the previous gray storage, a star in Google colors is now available.

Source: The Verge