Switched from 2FA via SMS to an authenticator app after a close call last month

I was using SMS for two-factor on my Gmail and banking accounts for years (thought it was fine). Then I read about SIM swapping attacks where someone could port my number to their phone, and realized how easy that would be to pull off. I switched to Google Authenticator and Authy on my accounts last week, and it took maybe 20 minutes total to set up. Has anyone else had a scary moment that pushed them to change their auth method?

2 comments

2 Comments

carr.brooke1mo agoOG Member

Yeah, I totally get that feeling. I used to think SMS was fine too until I saw a story about a guy who lost access to his whole crypto wallet because someone SIM swapped him. That was the moment I switched over to Authy, and honestly I feel way better now even if it took me a bit to figure out the backup codes. It's scary how easy it is to get locked out or have your number stolen.

betty_palmer1mo ago

Actually, you should probably drop Google Authenticator for something with backup codes. If you lose or break your phone, you're locked out of everything with no way to recover. Authy's fine since it syncs, but just a heads up.