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Google Authenticator - not a leader [like] other Google products
May 11, 2021

Google Authenticator - not a leader [like] other Google products

Anonymous | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 6 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with Google Authenticator

We are using Microsoft services (Office365, SharePoint, OneDrive, etc.) for daily routines. We do not use Google Services (apart from Google Cloud Platform). However, I was using Google Authenticator application to make sure second-factor authentication for my personal google account. So, as such, we are not solving any business problem with Google Authenticator.
  • This application makes life easy because you need only one app for all the two-factor authentication requirements.
  • It is extremely lightweight and needs no internet. This really helps when mobile runs out of network coverage due to some blind spots at office premises.
  • You can manage multiple accounts with a single application. Adding this account is quite intuitive and easy. QR scan is also a great plus in this aspect.
  • It does not have any option of cloud syncing. So, if you have multiple smart phones, you will have to setup same things on each smart phone. This is painful.
  • There is no additional security for Google Authenticator like biometric[s] or [a] passcode. So, it makes the job of malware easy as the application is open. This is more serious for Android users.
  • It adds trouble when you lose your device. The only way is to have your backup codes handy. Because of this reason, I stopped using it.
  • Simplicity of UX and lightweight application.
  • Supports offline mode.
  • Barcode scanning feature is awesome.
  • As this is not the only application in this domain, I find other applications better. However if you are not using multiple devices, this application is worthy.
I stopped using google authenticator once I lost my primary phone.

Do you think Google Authenticator delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Google Authenticator's feature set?

No

Did Google Authenticator live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Google Authenticator go as expected?

I wasn't involved with the implementation phase

Would you buy Google Authenticator again?

No

Amazon Comprehend, Amazon Rekognition, Azure Bot Service (Microsoft Bot Framework)
Though two-factor authentication is a primary need for additional security, Google Authenticator is not doing the job up to the mark. It brings the simplicity of the UX but major functional aspects like cloud backup and sync across devices are missing. The other applications (specially Authy) do this job exceptionally well. If you are a Google fan, you can go with it however, [it's] worth exploring other apps for this purpose.