Google Authenticator syncs 2FA codes across cloud after update

A new update to the Google Authenticator application allows users to sync any newly generated, one-time, two-factor authentication code to their Google Accounts and thus sign into apps and websites from a new device, TechCrunch reports. This solves a previous problem experienced by uses who lose their devices and are thus unable to sign into services with two-factor authentication enabled, as the codes used to be stored locally. Now, users may automatically back up codes and restore them to a new device via their Google Account and may also manually transfer codes without being signed into a Google Account by performing a series of steps. Christiaan Brand, a group product manager at Google, says the update provides added convenience without compromising on security. We released Google Authenticator in 2010 as a free and easy way for sites to add something you have 2FA that bolsters user security when signing in, according to Brand in a blog post. With this update were rolling out a solution to this problem, making one-time codes more durable by storing them safely in users Google Account.