If you’ve configured two-step verification for your Gmail account, rather than checking your mobile for codes you can plug in a verified USB stick instead. You can carry it wherever you go, and of course, it doesn’t lose battery or signal. According to Google, it also offers better protection against phishing attacks. Here’s how you can set it up.
Head to the two-step verification page from your Google account portal: it’s under Signing in to Google. If you don’t already have the two-step process switched on, it’s time to improve your account security and set it up. If you have the additional layer of security already in place, Security Key appears as one of the alternative options along the top of the settings page.
Choose Add Security Key to begin the setup process. Click the Register button, push your key into a spare USB port, then tap the button on the stick itself. ClickDone and you’re all set—whenever Google’s two-step verification process kicks in (usually when you’re signing in from a new computer), you can use the stick in place of the Authenticator app on your phone.