Is there a Google Authenticator desktop client?

Question

I am using Google Authenticator for 2-step authentication. I like how I can use a code and verify my account using my phone:

I realize that the app was designed to run on a device other than a computer to increase security for the computer (in case that it is lost or stolen), but I would like to know if there is a way I can run Google Authenticator on my Macbook.

Now, per the Google Authenticator Page it will not run on a desktop:

What devices does Google Authenticator work on?

• Android version 2.1 or later
• BlackBerry OS 4.5 - 6.0
• iPhone iOS 3.1.3 or later

However there are several emulators for developers and so I wonder if it is possible to run one of these emulators and then run Google Authenticator with that. I do realize this is not a best practice - but I'm less worried about my laptop getting stolen and more worried about someone just hacking the account.

So my question is this: Is it possible to run it on the desktop, even though it is not meant to be / not recommended?

Answer 1

You could use Oracle's VirtualBox, Android x86 OS, and then install the Authenticator. This would essentially give you the Google Authenticator on a desktop.

VirtualBox: https://www.virtualbox.org/

Android x86: http://www.android-x86.org/

Answer 2

There is a Self Hostable Web App at https://github.com/gbraad/html5-google-authenticator This is not secure on an internet facing machine, but you can load this on a completely offline Machine and you'd be safe.

Answer 3

There's also a Firefox app version. It doesn't need Firefox to run first, and you can actually install Firefox portable so it doesn't impact your system .

https://marketplace.firefox.com/app/gauth-authenticator/

Answer 4

JAuth is a good alternative - Java based (has Windows, Linux, and OS X installers), small and portable. I keep a copy on a USB drive.