Google Workspace 2FA Access

Directly Setting an Access or Verification Code via Email in Google Workspace

Setting up an access or verification code via email as an alternative to 2FA is not a standard feature in Google Workspace, as Google considers this method less secure.

How to Implement Email Access Codes in Google Workspace, see further down


Administrators can configure alternatives or use third-party solutions to implement email-based access codes. Below are some possible approaches:

1. Custom Policies in Google Workspace

Google Workspace does not natively support email-based verification codes, but administrators can apply less strict policies, such as:

Enable 2FA Exceptions:

  • Navigate to Google Admin Console > Security > Authentication.
  • Create exceptions for specific user groups or accounts that lack access to standard 2FA methods.
  • Enable backup codes or recovery options (e.g., phone or email recovery).

Configure Recovery Options:

  • Add a secondary email for emergencies to send alerts or recovery emails.

2. Third-Party IAM Solutions

External Identity and Access Management (IAM) platforms can integrate with Google Workspace and send codes via email. Popular options include:

Okta, OneLogin, or JumpCloud:

  • These platforms support email verification as an alternative MFA method.
  • Configure email codes via Single Sign-On (SSO) for Google Workspace.

Custom OAuth Scripts or Add-Ons:

  • Create a custom OAuth configuration to generate scripts that send verification codes via email when a user logs in.
  • This requires development work and API access to Google Workspace.

3. Tailored Access Policies for Specific Groups

Administrators can create policies for a subset of users allowed to receive email codes:

Create a Group in Google Admin Console:

  • Set up a user group (e.g., "No Access to Authenticator").

Apply Policies via API or Third-Party Services:

  • Use the Directory API or an external service to send codes to the user's email address during login attempts.

4. Consider Safer Alternatives

While email codes may seem convenient, they pose significant security risks (e.g., phishing, interception). Consider these safer options:

  • Google Authenticator or Physical Keys: For users without smartphones, physical keys like YubiKey can serve as a secure alternative.
  • Pre-Generated Backup Codes: Allow users to generate and securely store a set of backup codes in advance.

Conclusion

To implement email-based verification codes, you will likely need to use a third-party or custom solution, as this is not natively supported in Google Workspace. If you require assistance with setting up a specific solution or configuring an IAM platform, feel free to ask!

Setting Up Google Workspace Access via Email Code

Creating a custom OAuth script to send verification codes via email as an alternative to 2FA requires technical configuration and programming knowledge.

How a Custom OAuth Script for Email Codes Works

A custom OAuth script integrates with Google Workspace using the Google OAuth 2.0 API. The script generates verification codes and sends them to the registered user's email during a login attempt.

Steps to Set Up

1. Prerequisites

  • Google Workspace Admin Console Access: For API configuration.
  • Programming Knowledge: In a language like Python, Node.js, or JavaScript.
  • SMTP Service: To send emails (e.g., Gmail SMTP, SendGrid).
  • Google Cloud Platform (GCP): For API credentials and managing the OAuth configuration.

2. Configuration in Google Cloud Platform

  1. Create a Project:
    • Go to the Google Cloud Console.
    • Create a new project for your script.
  2. Enable Required APIs:
    • Navigate to API & Services > Library.
    • Enable the Google Workspace Admin SDK and Gmail API.
  3. Create OAuth Credentials:
    • Go to API & Services > Credentials.
    • Click on Create Credentials > OAuth 2.0 Client IDs.
    • Set the application type (e.g., "Web application").
    • Add redirect URIs if using a web interface.
    • Download the OAuth client ID and secret file.

3. Write the Script

Here's an example script in Python that uses Gmail SMTP to send verification codes.


4. Secure the Script

  • Use an app-specific password instead of the regular Gmail password.
  • Consider replacing SMTP with a professional email service like SendGrid or Amazon SES for scalability and security.

5. Integrate with Google Workspace

  • Integrate the script into the login workflow via Single Sign-On (SSO) or a custom web interface.
  • Use the Admin SDK API to dynamically retrieve Google Workspace user data.

6. Hosting and Execution

  • Host the script on a server or cloud platform (e.g., Google Cloud Functions or AWS Lambda).
  • Ensure the hosting environment is secure and complies with your organization's policies.

7. User Experience

  • During a login attempt, the user receives a verification code via email.
  • The script verifies the entered code against the generated code before granting access.

Limitations

  • Security Risks: Email-based 2FA is more vulnerable to phishing and interception.
  • Complexity: Requires technical configuration and maintenance.
  • Compliance: Ensure this method adheres to your organization's security and privacy guidelines.