Fastest way to login securely (no password needed!) - Google Prompt

Everyone uses passwords, but sometimes even passwords aren't enough to prevent security breaches. Quickly adopted by millions of users, Google introduced an added measure of securing email and data, known as 2-Step Verification. We've written a dedicated post about it here: http://blog.interlockit.com/2015/03/two-step-verification-added-layer-of.html. It's a great way to ensure your emails and documents are safe, but requires you to retrieve a code via text or Google's Authenticator app which you then have to enter, every 30 days if you so choose.

There's an easier way now; Google Prompt. Instead of typing in your password each time you sign in to your Google Account, you can get a prompt sent to your phone. Simply, tap the notification from Google to confirm, and you'll be signed in quickly and securely.

You'll need an iPhone 5S and up or an Android device for Google Prompt to work. Setting it up is a piece of cake:

1. On your computer or tablet, go to the "Sign in & security" section of My Account. You might need to sign in to your Google Account.
2. In the "Tired of typing passwords?" box, select Get started.
3. Select Set it up, then sign in to your account. You'll be taken to a guided setup process.
4. In the "Your phone" section, choose which phone you want to use to sign in.
5. Turn on your device's security feature.
   • Android: If there isn't a check next to "Screen lock," select Add a screen lock and follow the onscreen instructions.
   • iPhone: If there isn't a check next to "Touch ID," select How to set it up and follow the onscreen instructions.
6. Choose Next.
7. Below your username, select Next to practice how you'll sign in.
8. On your phone, follow the onscreen instructions to see Google's prompt, then tap Yes.
9. On your computer or tablet, select Turn on to the finish setup.

That's it! Now whenever you attempt to sign in to your Google Account, you'll get a "Trying to sign in?" prompt sent to your phone, just tap Yes and you're in!

Google understands security doesn't have to be tedious and Google Prompt makes for a quick and effortless way to access your account while maintaining a higher level of security than your average password. Contact our Interlock IT team today to secure your precious data with Google Apps!

Why the iPad and iPhone need cloud based applications

Some might decry that the lack of a physical keyboard and the limitation of only being able to install applications from the App Store mean that the iPad can't be used for "real" business work.

But if your company is already using cloud based solutions like Google Apps, or Salesforce.com the iPad is perfect for the business professional on the go who doesn't need a full laptop.

And soon Google will release the ability to edit Google documents on an iPad or Android device allowing you to edit a spreadsheet from your iPad simultaneously with a co-worker on an office PC.

P.S. We've seen many iPad and iPhone users incorrectly setup their phones using IMAP, POP3, or the Google Mail icon on their phone.  Yes, it's counterintuitive but a Google Apps account gives you Email, Calendar, and Contacts sync via Microsoft Exchange Active Sync technology on the iPad or iPhone.  The official Google iPad and iPhone setup instructions are available here.

Or give us a call at Interlockit.com and we'll walk you through it.