2-Step Verification is Google's way of making the security on your account even stronger. The first time you log into your Google account from a new computer, Google will send you a special code to enter. This code is Google's way of verifying that the individual trying to access that account is an authorized user of the account. You can receive this code in a variety of ways:

* Text message
* Google Authenticator app
* Voice call
* Printable back-up codes

Everyday thousands and thousands of accounts' usernames and passwords are compromised without you even knowing it. In order to help stop this from happening to you, we recommend 2-Step Verification as a way to protect the account and you as a user.

2-Step verification adds an extra level of security to your Google Account, changing the chances of having information or data in your account stolen or your account used to spread viruses/bugs. Using 2-step verification, the bad guys would need to have this 2-Step Verification code in addition to your username and password to log in to your account..

Mandatory enrollment is coming soon. We highly recommended that you enroll today in order to protect you and Robert Morris University. Everyday thousands and thousands of accounts' usernames and passwords are compromised without even knowing it. In order to help stop this from happening, we recommend 2-Step Verification as a way to protect you and your account.

No! Enrollment will only change the Google Account Sign-in process by adding an extra level of security to your account.

No! There are several ways that you can access this code:

* Text message
* Voice call
* Google Authenticator app
* Printable back-up codes

You can use your RMU phone and voicemail to receive codes. Don’t forget, you can access your RMU voicemail at 412-397-6950. We recommend adding this number to your contacts.

If your have your cell phone or mobile device, receiving your code via text message is convenient.

Text Message Code:
Your Google verification code is ******

Voice Call Code:
Hello thank you for using our phone verification system. Your code is: ******.

If you do not wish to use your cellular phone to receive codes, you can have Google send the codes through a voice call. In this case, we recommend that you use your RMU phone extension (412-397-XXXX). Don't forget that if you do not answer the phone, Google will leave the code on your voicemail. You can retrieve this voicemail by calling 412-397-6950.

Back-up codes are printable codes that Google assigns to you in sets of 10. If you lose your phone or otherwise can't receive codes via text, voice call, or Google Authenticator, you can use these printed backup codes to sign in. It is possible to generate a new set of codes at any point, automatically making the old set inactive. In addition, after you use one of these codes, it becomes inactive. As each code is used check them off so that the code is not retried at another login attempt.

We recommend that you keep your codes as you would any other valuable items. These codes are only useful to a bad guy if they also have your username and password.

If you lost the print-out of your backup codes, you can generate new printable codes on the 2-Step settings page. Follow these steps:
1. Sign into your Gmail account
2. In the URL box, type accounts.google.com
3. Click "Security"
4. Click "2-Step Verification Settings"
5. Click "Show backup codes"
6. Click "Generate new codes"
7. Print these codes and put them in a safe place.
This will cancel out the old set of backup codes and generate a new set.

Google Authenticator is a free downloadable app that allows your to receive codes even if you don't have cell service. You can download this app from the Google Play or Apple Stores.

Yes. You can set up Google Authenticator on multiple devices that can generate verification codes from more than one device.

1. Downloaded Google Authenticator on all devices that you want to use.
2. Go to the 2-Step Verification settings page.
3. If you've already set up Google Authenticator for your account, delete that account from Google Authenticator so you can start fresh. If you have not yet set up Google Authenticator, skip to the next step.
4. Scan the generated QR code or enter the generated secret key on all devices that you want to set up.
5.Check to make sure that all devices are working correctly by entering a verification codes from one device and clicking Verify. Then click Save.

You can use the Google Authenticator App to receive codes or you can use backup codes.

This might be because the time on your Google Authenticator app is not synced correctly.

To make sure that you have the correct time:
1. Go to the main menu on the Google Authenticator App
2. Click Settings
3. Click Time Correction for codes
4. click Sync Now

When you turn on 2-Step verification, any applications that need access to your Google Account will stop working until you enter an app specific password.

An app specific password synchronizes your Google account to any mobile device. It is a 16 character code that you enter into the settings of your mobile device. It allows 2-Step Verification users to access their Google accounts through apps such as Mail, Calendar or Drive.

Double check that you have entered the 16 characters into the settings of your mobile device correctly. Because this code is 16 characters, it is easy to make a type while entering the code. You should use all lowercase letters and no spaces.

No. You never have to remember the 16 character app specific password. This is a one time enter per device.

No. Since you have an app specific password setup, you will never have to change the mobile device password again. We do highly recommend that you have a security lock on your mobile device to keep anyone from accessing your accounts from that device.

Please call the Help Desk here at Robert Morris at (412)397-2211 or X2211 to have your account reset.

Yes. Once you have enrolled your RMU Google account into 2-Step Verification, you can enroll your personal or other Google account. You need to be signed into the account that you would like to enroll. Then follow the same set-up process that you did for your RMU Google account.

Google Authenticator can issue codes for multiple accounts from the same mobile device app. However, every Google account needs a different secret key, which you will get by going through the setup process.