Up until recently it was possible to connect third-party applications and devices with a Gmail account by using a feature called Less Secure Apps. This has now been superseded by a new system called App Passwords.
You can create an App Password by enabling 2-step verification in your Google Account and then navigating to the App passwords screen. The generated password will appear in a modal window and you will only see it once – so save it!
App Passwords
App passwords are a convenient feature for users who use third-party applications to access their Gmail accounts. They are unique, randomly generated passwords that allow the application or device to access your account while maintaining the security provided by two-step verification (2FA). To generate an app password, log into your Gmail account and go to the App Passwords page. From there, select Mail and a device. Then, click Generate.
Once you’ve generated an app password, you can enter it into the application or device to sign in. Alternatively, you can use your password manager software to store the password and retrieve it when necessary. It’s important to note that an app password will not work with email clients like Kernel Import PST to Gmail and other apps that require SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) or IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) settings.
To generate an app password, log into your account and go to the App Passwords (you’ll need 2FA enabled first). From there, select Mail and a device. If you’re using an older app or device that doesn’t support security codes, you can also generate a password on the Security info page. You can then choose to use the same password with multiple devices or create a new one for each service. You can even revoke and regenerate an app password on a service-by-service basis if you no longer need the protection it provides.
Two-Step Verification
Gmail has a great built-in feature for keeping your account secure: two-step verification. It is a simple, free method of safeguarding your account in case your password falls into the wrong hands. You will receive a verification code to enter when you sign in to your account on a new device or computer. Google also gives you the option to use a series of backup codes that you can generate and save (to protect yourself in case your phone is lost or stolen), or you can purchase a security key for added protection.
To set up 2-Step Verification go to the Google Accounts page and click Get Started. You will need to select your preferred method of verification (Text message or Phone call). Once you have verified your phone number, you will be able to turn on 2-Step Verification.
This is a very good idea for anyone who uses their Gmail account to manage other accounts, businesses, and online services. With recent high-profile cyber attacks, it is important to take every precaution to keep your information safe. If you choose to turn on 2-Step Verification for your Gmail account, you can then generate App Passwords to add additional security for certain apps and devices that connect to your email account. This will help to ensure that you are the only person who can access your email, even if someone gets hold of your password.
App-Specific Passwords
As the era of app data breaches continues, online security threats are stronger than ever. Fortunately, Edison Mail offers a simple way to help you protect your email account with an extra layer of security.
The feature is called App Passwords and allows you to create a password that’s unique for each 3rd party application that you use. This will prevent other applications from accessing your email account if you forget your password or if one of the apps is compromised by malware.
To set up an App Password, you’ll need to sign in to your Gmail account and have 2-step verification turned on. Next, select the profile icon and click Manage Your Google Account. Once there, you’ll need to scroll down and click on the Security tab under How You Sign In To Google. Select the App Passwords link and follow the instructions to generate a new one for any additional apps you need to use.
Once you’ve generated a new App Password, you’ll want to save it somewhere safe and use it to sign in to the app or device. You can also revoke these app-specific passwords on a service-by-service basis without having to change your main password. This is a great way to maintain your online security while making it easier for you to connect to third-party apps.
Less Secure Apps
As part of its continuing effort to keep accounts secure, Google has discontinued the Less Secure Apps feature that allows less-secure applications to sign in with a username and password. This means that the apps or machines you use to connect to your Gmail account such as MFPs will no longer work after May 30th. This can be remedied by enabling 2 Step verification on the account and generating an App Password for each machine or application that you will continue to use with your Gmail account.
To generate an app password, log in to your Gmail account and select the profile icon in the upper right-hand corner. From there, select Manage your Google Account and then Security in the left sidebar. Choose “App passwords” from the Signing in to Google section.
A new window will appear with two fold-down menus: Select app and Select device. Choose the application or device where you will be using the app and enter the 16 digit code displayed on the screen.
Note that once you generate an app password, you will only get one chance to use it. You will need to generate a new one if you change your app or device. Also, you will have to wait 24 hours before you can use your new password with the same app or device again.