A little info first about my situation and then a couple of (maybe numpty) questions for anyone that doesn't mind. Thank you.

I use works tablet but only have my own mobile, no work phone.

Work want me to have access to an Authenticator app (which I may put on my phone if I have to (begrudgingly).

This is for access to any work emails and to have 2FA....... I will only access work emails on the tablet (NOT on my phone)

1. Does the App have to be on my phone (rather than the tablet) (i think this has to be a ... yes???)

2. Anyone use one and recommend it ???

3. Will they all do what is needed irrespective of which App I choose, or might I need a specific one ie Googul or Msoft ???

If I have to put the App on my phone then I want it least intrusive and least data collection. Aegis seems sensible choice?

Thank you.

Edited 15 April, 20251 yr by Tilt

I use the google one on my phone ,we have to have it for works access ,emails holiday system etc ,it all seems to work ok ,each time i use it i always force close it tho so its not running in background .

Thanks @Mickvrs220

Not too keen on the googul one as according to this https://uk.pcmag.com/security/153947/the-best-authenticator-apps-for-2024

googul may collect data from contact lists, email address, photos and videos...... nosey gits.

32 minutes ago, Tilt said:

Thanks @Mickvrs220

Not too keen on the googul one as according to this https://uk.pcmag.com/security/153947/the-best-authenticator-apps-for-2024

googul may collect data from contact lists, email address, photos and videos...... nosey gits.

I know what you mean tilt ,but lets face it if googles on your phone its collecting data regardless and listening to you ,i dont worry too much as collecting and listening to me they will soon nod off 😂

2 minutes ago, Mickvrs220 said:

I know what you mean tilt ,but lets face it if googles on your phone its collecting data regardless and listening to you ,i dont worry too much as collecting and listening to me they will soon nod off 😂

Aah but......... I don't keep my phone connected.

It's on 2G most of the time ..... I only put it to 4G and Data on if I need to put a pic on here or for online banking.

I do not use my phone online for anything else.

Laptop for all other online stuff, emails etc, Lol.

This is why I am reluctant to use it for anything to do with work ...

I do use 2FA for some purchases Paypal etc, but simple text codes to my other phone that doesn't leave the house.

Thanks again though for input.

( @Lee01 my emoji worked, ......... Lol)

1 hour ago, Tilt said:

A little info first about my situation and then a couple of (maybe numpty) questions for anyone that doesn't mind. Thank you.

I use works tablet but only have my own mobile, no work phone.

Work want me to have access to an Authenticator app (which I may put on my phone if I have to (begrudgingly).

This is for access to any work emails and to have 2FA....... I will only access work emails on the tablet (NOT on my phone)

1. Does the App have to be on my phone (rather than the tablet) (i think this has to be a ... yes???)

2. Anyone use one and recommend it ???

3. Will they all do what is needed irrespective of which App I choose, or might I need a specific one ie Googul or Msoft ???

If I have to put the App on my phone then I want it least intrusive and least data collection. Aegis seems sensible choice?

Thank you.

I use the Microsoft Authenticator app on my iPhone; it is also iPad compatible. I assume there are Android versions for it too.

Works well and has minimal impact on my device.

As for privacy, any authenticator app will need to know a certain amount of stuff to be able to do their thing. It's what the company collects that is the worrying bit and I distrust Microsoft less than I do Google hence my choice of app. My rationale being the Microsoft primarily make their money from selling software, whereas with Google its primarily by selling information about us punters to advertisers.

Thanks @SteveTheElder

Yes, PC mag does seem to agree that the Microsoft App is a little less intrusive than the Googul App.

Question 3 is .... will all of the App's work for what is needed, ie, whichever I choose ???

If that is the case then I will probably use the Aegis or 2FAs, if I have to.

Thanks again.

AIUI, all authenticator apps will work fine.

Our Facilities manager visited today (yes, I work B Hols sometimes and as I am on call anyway.....) so I asked him about the work emails situation and Re the Authenticator App.

He told me, and showed me on his work Tablet, that he has the Authenticator App is on the Tablet itself.

The same Tablet that his work emails would be read on.......

(I do realise that it is just an App that could be downloaded onto any suitable device)

....... But does it not defeat the object if the Authenticator code was sent to the same device that the emails were being accessed on ????? or is this normal ????

The person is coming this Thursday with our new tablets and all the info and I just want to be as prepared as possible.

Thanks again guys

Edited 18 April, 20251 yr by Tilt

Oh yes fyi ... it was my manager that told me that I would require the App on my phone, but I do not think he knows as much as he thinks either, Lol.

He's a nice bloke though, fairly new manager.

We had to put the app on our phones for work ,you seem to be over worrying about it ,its just a six digit code that gives you access to work related stuff ,its not going to rob your bank steal your car ,its just crap related to work stuff and thats the only time you will use it 👍 but i believe it has to be on same device that you get your work stuff on

Edited 18 April, 20251 yr by Mickvrs220

On 18/04/2025 at 19:30, Mickvrs220 said:

but i believe it has to be on same device that you get your work stuff on

Thanks @Mickvrs220

That tallies with what Facilities manager told / showed me on his tablet.

Opposite to what our manager told me .......

Thanks again mate.

Edited 21 April, 20251 yr by Tilt

12 minutes ago, Tilt said:

Thanks again mate.

Your welcome 👍

The Authenticator App is just a code generator; codes specific to the account you need to log in to and time - they refresh every 30 seconds. Typically set up in the app using a QR Code or other identifier provided by the account requiring the use of the codes.

The App does not need to be on the same device (but could be) because they are login specific not device specific. I use the one on my iPhone to login to accounts when using my MacBook.

The Authenticator App has its own password to access the codes, or could be biometrics (e.g. fingerprint or face recognition).

20 hours ago, SteveTheElder said:

but could be)

Yes, now I know that I will insist it goes onto the works device and not my own phone....

And if they think differently, then I say fook em. Find out tomorrow.

It's the principle as much as anything else.

Thanks to all.

I would usually protest about work trying to put an app on my personal phone but I actually have the work MFA on my phone as I use MS Authenticator anyway.
It's just another MFA.
It's tied to the time on your phone rather than any secret sauce.

If it's just the MFA app I wouldn't really have an issue. If they want to put a MDM (device manager) on your phone, avoid that, it can mess stuff up.

I think you cna insist on getting a device but tbh that might be more of a pain for you in this case having to carry a second device.

I'm a Cyber Security Consultant in my day job btw.