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Google Authenticator iOS app update wipes stored user accounts

Google Authenticator iOS app update wipes stored user accounts

By Anupam Saxena | Updated: 4 September 2013 17:08 IST

Google updated its Google Authenticator app for iOS finally bringing support for Retina display and iPhone 5, in addition to a new improved user interface. However, the app, which allows users to employ their iPhone for two-factor authentication, offering an additional layer of security when signing in, has a bug due to which the app erases all of the user's existing stored data and connected accounts.

The bug was first reported by TechCrunch, which was tipped by multiple users who updated the app. In addition to this, users have also reported the issue through their App Store reviews. One of the reviewers said, "The app works just as it did before... but installing this update cleared ALL of my accounts that I had set up (Google Apps, DreamHost, Dropbox...) VERY IRRITATING."

Almost all reviews of the updated app complain that all their account tokens have been reset. This means that it would disconnect users from all services like Evernote and Dropbox if they use the app for two-factor authentication for signing in to these third-party services and users would need to connect their account again with each one of them.

Google has acknowledged the issue and has told The Next Web that it is working on an update that preserves the apps tokens and prevents data loss. It is expected to release an update to the app soon. Till then, you'd be better off not updating the app. It's worth pointing out that we were not able to locate the app in the US App Store.

The Authenticator app facilitates Google's two-step verification without users needing a mobile number. If users activate second factor authentication on their Google account (or that of third-party services that use the app), they're required to enter a random code after entering the password, which is sent via push notification if the Google Authenticator app is installed on their mobile phone.

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Further reading: Apple, Google, Google Authenticator