When it comes to protecting your online accounts, two-factor authentication (2FA) is a must. However, after relying on Google Authenticator for years, I switched to 1Password for all my authentication needs a year ago, and this is why.
1 Google Authenticator’s Cloud Backup Lacks End-to-End Encryption
While Google Authenticator’s addition of cloud backup is a step in the right direction, it currently lacks an important security feature—end-to-end encryption (E2EE). Without E2EE, your backed-up codes are potentially vulnerable to unauthorized access, which defeats the purpose of using 2FA in the first place.
E2EE is planned for future implementation, but Google is taking a cautious approach to the rollout. While this is understandable, it leaves users without the highest level of security for their backed-up 2FA codes in the meantime. This lack of E2EE is particularly concerning given Google’s history of security issues, such as the discovery of a vulnerability in 2018. Google Password Manager is safe and secure, but there are other options you can use.
1Password ensures that all the data, including 2FA codes, is protected by AES-256 encryption. Until Google Authenticator implements E2EE for its cloud backup feature, I’ll be sticking with 1Password for my 2FA needs.
2 I Get Password Manager and 2FA Authenticator in One App
Another main reason I switched to 1Password is the convenience of having both a password manager and a 2FA authenticator in a single app. With 1Password, I no longer need to juggle multiple apps to manage my online security.
1Password’s integration of 2FA codes with my login credentials means I can access my accounts with just a few taps—no more fumbling with copy-pasting codes. Moreover, 1Password’s Watchtower feature monitors my passwords and alerts me to breaches or weak passwords that need updating. So, I can also use 2FA for that app or website.
3 I Can Access My Codes Across All Devices Securely
Another major advantage of using 1Password for 2FA is that I can access my codes across all my devices. Whether on my phone, tablet, or PC, I can easily retrieve my 2FA codes without compromising security.
This cross-device synchronization is made possible by 1Password’s encryption and secure cloud storage. With my data protected by AES-256 encryption, I can trust that my codes are safe no matter which device I use. You’ll need your secret key and password to log into 1Password on a new device.
In contrast, Google Authenticator’s syncing is currently limited to mobile devices, and even that lacks the protection of E2EE.
1Password, on the other hand, is available on all major platforms—iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux.
1Password’s combination of security, convenience, and cross-platform accessibility make it my go-to choice for securing accounts with 2FA codes. While Google Authenticator remains a popular option, 1Password’s all-in-one approach and encryption give me peace of mind.