# Google Authenticator: how AI models rank it, September 2026

IT AI Recommendation Index, September 2026 Edition. Named in 22 judge labels across 1 categories by 12 of 12 models. Page: https://it-ai-index.com/vendors/google-authenticator/

## Standing by category

| Category | Share | Rank | Negative rate | Labels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-factor authentication | 4% | 5 | 32% | 22 |

## What the models said for it

- "Start with authenticator apps, which offer good security at no cost" (Claude Haiku 4.5, MFA)
- "is Duo Free or Google Authenticator for under 10 users" (Llama 4 Maverick, MFA)
- "Prefer authenticators that keep data local-only (like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator..." (Qwen 3.7 Flash, MFA)
- "Authenticator apps with TOTP (Google Authenticator, Authy, Microsoft Authenticator) - Better than SMS" (Kimi K2, MFA)

## And against it

- "Applications like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator generate 6-digit codes ... they are vulnerable to Adversary-in-the-Middle (AiTM) phishing." (Gemini 3.5 Flash, MFA)
- "it lacks advanced admin controls and backup features, which may be a limitation for some businesses" (Mistral Small, MFA)
- "Be Cautious With: TOTP Apps (e.g., Google Authenticator, Authy) ... but phishable" (Grok 4.1 Fast, MFA)
- "TOTP-based (NOT phishing-resistant). Codes can be phished via real-time proxy attacks." (Kimi K2, MFA)

## Record

- Method: https://it-ai-index.com/methodology/
- Raw judge labels and full responses: https://it-ai-index.com/data/
- License: CC BY 4.0. Cite as IT AI Recommendation Index, September 2026 Edition, it-ai-index.com.