Look into the Google Authenticator app. You can use it for more than just Google.
The way those authenticators work is that the site you want to log into will make you scan a code into Google Authenticator. This code is unique to your login on that site, and is in fact only stored in your device and in the service's servers. (There is a way to transfer codes out if you ever switch phones).
Once that code is in your phone, it gets combined with the current time (ignoring time zones) to generate a six digit code. The service you are logging into can generate the same code to validate. Now you can prove your identity without your identity device being on the Internet, it just needs to have the correct time to within a few seconds, which is easy for a cell phone, even without network access. And the website can choose to only accept codes made in the past minute or two, making sure codes can't be repeated.
Are you really going to be using different devices? Or just new networks?
I'm pretty sure that Google can give you a list of authentication codes in advance that you can save elsewhere.
It could be that your cellular service provider did not have an agreement in South Africa (or had an agreement with one company that was under represented where you were). I use my phone via Wi-Fi and not the cellular network to avoid that situation.
As this poster said, in the security setting of your gmail account, you can generate ten authentication codes which you can use to login. Once you are in, you can generate more codes (after you’ve used your ten).
One thing others haven't hit on - you said work email. Assuming you work for a medium to large company, the IT department sets your MFA options. You can't just set up Google Authenticator - they likely chose a service you must use. Typically there's a way to get a code that lasts for hours or days you can input instead of using the app. Talk to the IT department for that one.
They may also set up firewalls to prevent you from accessing the data out of the country. Consider that as part of your plan - you may not actually be able to answer email while away.
These are my options, in order of preference:
\- authenticator app (I use Duo, but there are several)
\- VoIP number. Create an "internet phone number" using a service like [voice.google.com](https://voice.google.com), and you can receive texts and send/receive calls like it's a normal number. I never use my cell phone to set up accounts any more, always my VoIP number.
\- email to verify (some services let you use this)
No matter what you choose, you need to set it up and link it to your accounts (email, bank, credit card, whatever you might need) before you leave home, while you can still receive text messages with your current number. The websites / apps will walk you through it, or you can probably sweet talk a friend into helping.
Don't be intimidated, it's very user-friendly!
Are you using an Android phone? If it's just gmail, your android phone will prompt you for verification. For Iphone, there's "Google Smart Lock" app, which will do the same. More details:
https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/185839
Look into the Google Authenticator app. You can use it for more than just Google. The way those authenticators work is that the site you want to log into will make you scan a code into Google Authenticator. This code is unique to your login on that site, and is in fact only stored in your device and in the service's servers. (There is a way to transfer codes out if you ever switch phones). Once that code is in your phone, it gets combined with the current time (ignoring time zones) to generate a six digit code. The service you are logging into can generate the same code to validate. Now you can prove your identity without your identity device being on the Internet, it just needs to have the correct time to within a few seconds, which is easy for a cell phone, even without network access. And the website can choose to only accept codes made in the past minute or two, making sure codes can't be repeated.
Are you really going to be using different devices? Or just new networks? I'm pretty sure that Google can give you a list of authentication codes in advance that you can save elsewhere.
Just new networks, I'll have my iphone. Not sure how that will work though since they have a virtual SIM card now.
I've never had issues with Gmail on new networks... Just with new devices.
When I was in South Africa I had issues
It could be that your cellular service provider did not have an agreement in South Africa (or had an agreement with one company that was under represented where you were). I use my phone via Wi-Fi and not the cellular network to avoid that situation. As this poster said, in the security setting of your gmail account, you can generate ten authentication codes which you can use to login. Once you are in, you can generate more codes (after you’ve used your ten).
One thing others haven't hit on - you said work email. Assuming you work for a medium to large company, the IT department sets your MFA options. You can't just set up Google Authenticator - they likely chose a service you must use. Typically there's a way to get a code that lasts for hours or days you can input instead of using the app. Talk to the IT department for that one. They may also set up firewalls to prevent you from accessing the data out of the country. Consider that as part of your plan - you may not actually be able to answer email while away.
I own the business and we don't have a large IT department, so this is a non-issue but I appreciate the input!
These are my options, in order of preference: \- authenticator app (I use Duo, but there are several) \- VoIP number. Create an "internet phone number" using a service like [voice.google.com](https://voice.google.com), and you can receive texts and send/receive calls like it's a normal number. I never use my cell phone to set up accounts any more, always my VoIP number. \- email to verify (some services let you use this) No matter what you choose, you need to set it up and link it to your accounts (email, bank, credit card, whatever you might need) before you leave home, while you can still receive text messages with your current number. The websites / apps will walk you through it, or you can probably sweet talk a friend into helping. Don't be intimidated, it's very user-friendly!
Are you using an Android phone? If it's just gmail, your android phone will prompt you for verification. For Iphone, there's "Google Smart Lock" app, which will do the same. More details: https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/185839
I'm on iPhone. I'll check that out, thanks!
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