Re:What happens to a smartphone when it gets stolen?
by Kiro on Sunday December 11, 2022 @09:11AM
(#33943326)
I don't understand how people recover from unexpectedly losing their phone. How do you get back into your accounts with 2FA?
[ Parent
| on HN ]
Re:What happens to a smartphone when it gets stolen?
by windowsrookie on Sunday December 11, 2022 @09:36AM
(#33943558)
I specifically have multiple phones setup with my Google Authenticator account for this reason. If you don't have a spare phone, I recommend purchasing a used old android phone for $30 just for the peace of mind.
Re:What happens to a smartphone when it gets stolen?
by schrodinger on Sunday December 11, 2022 @11:08AM
(#33944357)
1Password on a laptop can hold google auth keys
Re:What happens to a smartphone when it gets stolen?
by patrickdavey on Sunday December 11, 2022 @03:02PM
(#33946884)
Just curious - what's wrong with backup codes?
Re:What happens to a smartphone when it gets stolen?
by Too on Sunday December 11, 2022 @03:28PM
(#33947130)
If you are really paranoid. Backup codes can be copied without you noticing. Even bigger risk if you bring them along while traveling, or worse, leave unattended in hotel room.
The Authenticator apps store keys in Secure Enclave (or at least I hope so). Which in themselves are 2fa by not being copyable thus requiring direct access to unlocked phone before using.
Of course that also comes with bigger risk of you locking yourself out, by forgetting Lock Screen password or phone getting bricked for some stupid reason. Printed paper don’t have that problem, except can also easily be lost.
Re:What happens to a smartphone when it gets stolen?
by Evan-Purkhiser on Sunday December 11, 2022 @10:39AM
(#33944046)
Here's my solution: https://github.com/evanpurkhiser/recovery
Re:What happens to a smartphone when it gets stolen?
by sowbug on Sunday December 11, 2022 @11:33AM
(#33944615)
Similar: https://github.com/sowbug/quaid
Re:What happens to a smartphone when it gets stolen?
by piperswe on Sunday December 11, 2022 @05:59PM
(#33948555)
My 2FA is all using Yubico Authenticator, so even TOTP codes are on my Yubikey rather than my phone. I keep my backup codes in 1Password in case I lose my keychain.
Re:What happens to a smartphone when it gets stolen?
by worble on Sunday December 11, 2022 @09:56AM
(#33943695)
There's a reason 2FA always gives you backup codes? If you didn't write them down that's on you.
Re:What happens to a smartphone when it gets stolen?
by meindnoch on Sunday December 11, 2022 @09:24AM
(#33943464)
I guess you'd write an "Ask HN" post and hope that a Google engineer notices. Same for GitHub.
Re:What happens to a smartphone when it gets stolen?
by ghusto on Sunday December 11, 2022 @12:29PM
(#33945235)
You know those backup codes they make you say you've printed before you can complete setup?
Re:What happens to a smartphone when it gets stolen?
by layer8 on Sunday December 11, 2022 @11:21AM
(#33944504)
Maintain a second device (doesn’t have to be a phone) with your 2FA codes.
Re:What happens to a smartphone when it gets stolen?
by CatWChainsaw on Sunday December 11, 2022 @09:24AM
(#33943457)
In a sense, humans already have to be cyborgs to function in modern society.