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In using 2-step verification, does selecting 'Trusted Computer' a less secure options? https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/2544838?hl=en

If so, is it still a reasonably secure option?

schroeder
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  • Do you trust those 'Trusted Computer' ? Are the only one to have access to them ? Do you lock your session ? –  Oct 28 '14 at 13:39
  • Are the only one to have access to them? - Yes. Do you lock your session? - Yes. –  Oct 28 '14 at 13:46
  • Then you can trust this computer IMHO –  Oct 28 '14 at 13:50
  • This question is probably a better fit for [security.se]. –  Oct 28 '14 at 20:52

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Yes, making a device trusted is absolutely less secure -- but in general it is secure enough. The thing to consider is how easily someone could gain access to the trusted computer in question. Among the questions you'll want to ask yourself before making a computer a trusted device:

  • Do you control the physical unit? (For example, is it in a locked home or in a key-card-isolated area of an office building?)
  • Is the computer password-protected? (Do you habitually lock the screen when you step away, or have it set to lock automatically with a short time-out?)
  • Are you satisfied that the unit is safe from intrusion through the network? (Do you have a firewall in place and do you keep the operating system and installed programs up-to-date with security patches?)
Joe DeRose
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