Another good tip, feature. That. Could. Work. For the parents. Maybe. I could print out the list of 10 and give it to them and say, listen every 30 days, outlook is going to come looking for a new password to access gMail, just use the next one on the list. Yes, they'd have a printout list of their next ~10 months worth of passwords sitting there (knowing them, right next to their computer). But, it's in their house. On the grand scale, the guy breaking into the house would probably be more interested in the physical computer than what it had access to.


Thanks for the tip.

No, this is incorrect. The 10 codes are just for accessing Gmail from the web. If you're using Outlook you generate a device-specific password and give that password to Outlook. Device-specific passwords don't expire, so you'd never need to change them.

I access gmail on my computer via the web, and was referring to accessing it via the 2 step verification process. I don't use Outlook so unfamiliar with how it would work. On my iPhone, it is a device-specific password but I thought OP said his parents don't have smartphones?

I was referring to jsnydcsa's scenario, where his parents use Outlook to access Gmail. In that case, you'd use a device-specific password for Outlook to access Gmail.

Thanks for the clarification. That makes it even easier! S/S 'Listen Mom and Dad, your password is a randomly generated code of gobbledygook. That's the most secure and it's at least program - Outlook - specific. Just go with that for me, please.' Sip Jameson's (no, wait, summer, sip Hendrick's) and wait for their baffled response. Repeat.

Dad just picked up a Dell laptop ("the iPad is too difficult"), so I'm setting that up this weekend and may implement this.

I feel ya bro, I sometimes wish I'd never pushed my parents to start using a computer. :D

The iPad is too difficult, so he got a laptop?? If an iPad is too difficult perhaps a good old fashioned telephone is in order... :)

Summer doesn't begin until Memorial Day! You've still got a month to drink brown liquor. :)

I'm right there with you on that!

To bring it full circle. I set this device specific password up over the weekend and it's working like a charm. Parents both appreciate the added security.

Other memorable parental computer-related quotes and actions:

"The internet is broken." [Not connected to Wifi]

"That's not right." [Response to email retention TOS policies of various providers discussion]

"It fell." [Response to question. How did the back of the monitor make a perfect impression through the drywall behind it?]

"I just keep them here." [Showing a small reporter's notebook of frequently used email addresses rather than using Outlook Address book. So focused on typing and reading from pad, didn't notice auto complete feature in action.]

"But Mr./Mrs. [insert name] always tells such funny jokes." [Response to my command to stop opening, reading, clicking on links for or forwarding RE: RE: RE: RE: FWD: FWD: FWD: emails from friends and neighbors.]

Re: Phone. They still have several old four-prong telephone outlet plugs in the house.

The Google 2-step is a bit of a pain in the butt, but it does seem to be more safe. ^

I just started using it after reading this thread. I'm not yet 100% sold on it. It definitely makes my Google account safer from hacking, but it adds a hassle factor.

Yeah.. I also worry about situations in which I need to use a computer to quickly find something in my email and I don't have my phone with me or something. I suppose those situations are rare, but I do worry about the odd exceptional situation.

They do offer a list of 10 "backup codes" that when printed is similar to the the size of a credit card. Each code can be used once. I keep mine in my wallet.

Yeah I did that too. Still nervous. :)

It also is a pain if you use a computer that is set to not allow cookies.

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I like 2 step authentication, I use it myself. But what about for my parents, who are rudimentary cell phone users, and not only that, travel enough overseas that they can't receive the verification codes while on the road?

I suppose I just have to hope they don't get hacked? Or ask them to make their passwords longer?