Getting Started
Ok, so firstly I’m assuming that you’re not already enforcing multi-factor authentication (2-Step verification) and that no-one has voluntarily turned it on.
If you think that some people might have turned it on already then I’ll show you how to re-set that later in this post.
Also, you’ll want to do this outside of normal working hours as there may be some disruption to people’s accounts initially!
Step 1: Set yourself up first
First you’re going to set up Multi-Factor Authentication for yourself as the super administrator.
Go to your Google account / Security. Click on one of the options below the How you Sign into Google section. I’d recommend ‘Authenticator’.
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Follow the steps to set up Authenticator as your Multi-Factor Authentication option.
Once you’ve added the authenticator app, make sure you turn on 2-Step verification – there’s two buttons you need to click!
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Step 2: Enforce 2-Step Verification (Multi-Factor Authentication)
Return to the Admin Console and go to Security / Authentication / 2 Step verification
Click in the radio button next to Enforcement On from and enter a date – probably the next working day.
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Then under Methods click next to Any except verification codes via text, phone call.
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Click on Save.
Step 3: Re-set logins for everyone
Now you’re going to force people to sign in and set up Multi-factor authentication the next time they log in.
Go to Admin Console / Directory and then Users.
Click on each user in turn, go to the Security tab, and reset the sign-in cookies to sign them out of their account.
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While you’re there, remove the recovery phone number if they have one, just to ensure stronger security and less likelihood of issues with text messages.
Step 4: Remove previous enrollments
Remember how I said earlier you could re-set their multi-factor authentication status? This is where you do it. If they’re already enrolled click on the pencil icon next to 2-step verification and change the status to Off.
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Now, when your users next log in, they’ll be prompted to Enroll in 2 Step verification and when they do, the only options they’ll be given will be Passkeys / Security Keys or the Authenticator app.
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Want more personalised help?
I hope this article was of assistance to you, but if you want more personalised help with your Google Workspace issue then why not get in touch?