Authenticator applications enable you to add two-factor authentication to your online accounts and services. They provide randomly generated one-time passcodes, which automatically refresh after a few seconds, which are then required when logging into online accounts. This added step massively improves account security thereby reducing your exposure to phishing scams.
The field of data security is constantly evolving to meet new challenges, so it is very important that organizations stay informed and take appropriate steps to ensure their safety. Cybercrime is a costly business; in fact, by 2025 cybercrime is estimated to cost $10.5 trillion globally with a yearly increase of 15%. With this potential for financial loss, it is important to consider how you can layer your security setup to form a stronger barricade against potential breaches.
In recent years, leaks and hacking have become increasingly urgent problems. It is abundantly clear that passwords alone are no longer adequate security, and a multipronged approach is needed to properly secure important logins such as banking, social media, and shopping.
Using an authenticator app is one of the easiest and most secure ways to prove your identity and securely access your accounts. With an authenticator app, and multi-factor authentication switched on, a cybercriminal with your email address and password won’t be able to access your online accounts. They will need the OTP from the authenticator application on your device.
There are a range of free authentication applications on the market that you can use with different online applications and services to generate one-time-passcodes. To help you decide which authenticator app to use, we’ve put together a list of some strong free authenticator apps that each manage to strike a good balance between functionality and security.
Apple Passkeys is a FIDO-enabled solution for iOS, iPadOS, and Mac users that will authenticate access to apps and websites across platforms, without relying on a simple password. With Apple Passkeys, users get a streamlined yet secure sign-in process using FaceID or TouchID. FIDO Passkeys are used alongside traditional passwords with cryptographic key pairs to significantly boost security. Passkeys also means that Apple devices can be used as FIDO2 enables security keys with third party applications and other identity providers.
Passkeys synchronizes with iCloud, provides additional security via end-to-end encryptions and biometrics, and makes it more difficult for cyber attackers to gain access to secured accounts using keystroke logging and other penetrative means. We would recommend Apple Passkeys to Apple users looking for a secure and convenient way of replacing passwords with secure, phishing resistant FIDO2 authentication standard.
Duo Mobile is an authenticator app developed by Cisco’s Duo, an American authentication company that specializes in identity and access management solutions. Duo Mobile is a two-factor authentication and multi-factor authentication solution that helps users to log into their apps securely. Duo’s single-tap, user friendly interface allows users to verify or block login attempt via push notifications which give a location-based authentication reading.
Duo Mobile supports multiple authentication controls including passcodes, biometrics, and push notifications. These allow users to select the methods best suited to their needs, with the option to update their preferences at any point. The app is intuitive and easy to use, and we would recommend it to organizations or individuals looking for a free authentication app that provides a consistent, intuitive user experience, with robust security features.
Google Authenticator is a software-based authenticator from Google. This two-factor authenticator app was one of the first MFA apps to hit the market and is one of the most user friendly. The app does what it advertises and does it very well. One-time passwords are easy to generate, thereby adding an extra layer of security to your online accounts with a clear, modern user interface.
Google allows you to receive and generate 2FA even when you do not have internet connection or mobile service. The app’s UI is simple and straightforward to use, with a lightweight and unobtrusive user interface, and comprehensive security protocols. We would recommend Google Authenticator to anyone interested in a strong, no-frills free authenticator app that is available for both iOS and Android.
The Microsoft Authenticator app backs up users account credentials and related account settings to the cloud. The Microsoft Authenticator App provides two-factor authentication for Microsoft accounts and products, as well as other online accounts including Google and Dropbox. With this app you can sign in to any personal or work/school account securely, using face recognition, a fingerprint, or a PIN for enhanced security.
You can use Microsoft Authenticator with Microsoft products on sites or apps that utilize two-factor authentication. Users rate their experience with the solution positively and mention the straightforward installation and the non-obtrusive, lightweight nature of the tool as positive parts of their experience. Microsoft also offer security features such as Number Matching, which helps to prevent scams in which hackers will attempt to steal 2FA authentication codes. We would recommend Microsoft Authenticator to anyone looking for a free authentication app that improves security without impacting productivity.
Twilio is an US technology company that was founded in 2008. Authy is a Twilio service which provides both a desktop and mobile app for two-step verification for any online accounts. The app makes it easy to setup 2FA for any accounts. User credentials are encrypted and secured using TouchID, PIN protection, and passwords. Cloud storage provides regular backups in case devices are lost or stolen and is able to sync across multiple devices for a streamlined experience.
Twilio Authy is a strong two-factor authentication app which supports businesses and consumers globally when configuring 2FA. The solution is easy to use and can manage all soft tokens from a single central application. We would recommend Twilio Authy to organizations or individuals looking for a free authentication solution that significantly enhances security without adding unnecessary complexity to the authentication process.
FAQs
What Is An Authenticator App?
An authenticator app is typically installed on your smart device that will continually generate one-time passcodes (OTP) that allows you to access to your secured accounts. This means that you can enforce two-factor authenticationor multi-factor authentication across your online accounts. These one-time passcodes will expire after a set period, making it hard for hackers to guess the OTP and gain access to your accounts. This additional layer of protection is very effective at keeping unwanted intruders out.
Authentication apps are seen as a more secure alternative to using SMS-based authentication, (where the OTP is sent to your phone via text message) as the app itself is unique to your device – unlike texts which are sent to a SIM-card which can be cloned.
Authenticator apps typically link to your account by scanning a QR code, with the app saving a secret key. You want to be sure that your chose authenticator app can securely back up your account info in case the device you installed it on is ever replaced or lost. And, of course, you’ll need to make sure that your chosen app is compatible with any platforms you need it for.
What To Look For In An Authenticator App?
There are a lot of good options out there for an authenticator app, so when it comes to picking one for yourself it’s important to think about your specific needs and to ensure no important features are missing. For instance, any authenticator app you choose should:
- Make it easy to set up two-factor authentication on all accounts
- Have a secure, straightforward login process
- Generate one-time passcodes for secure access
- Have a user friendly interface
These days we all have multiple online accounts we would like to keep secure, so using a tool as simple – yet useful – as an authentication app is a great way to keep your data safe.
What Is Two-Factor Authentication?
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security system where two distinct forms of identification are required for access to be granted. It is used to strengthen security to better protect online accounts, devices, or even physical barriers like a door. With two-factor authentication in place, users must present two types of information – for example, a password, passcode, personal identification number (PIN), or a biometric factor – before access is granted.
Two factor authentication involves a user presenting two of the following means of identification:
- Something you know (like a password)
- Something you have (like a passcode generated by an authentications app or a sent to your smartphone or other device via text message)
- Something you are (like a biometric using your face, fingerprint, or retina)
How Can Using An Authenticator App Improve Account Security?
The point of having two-factor authentication in place is to create an added layer of protection to prevent unauthorized users from accessing certain accounts with a stolen password. Many users don’t realize how many ways there are for passwords to end up compromised and will unknowingly participate in unsafe habits like reusing passwords.
An authenticator app is a simple tool with a straightforward purpose – to add a layer of security before accessing your online accounts. So even if a hacker manages to get their hands on your login credentials, they will be thwarted in their attempts to gain access, leaving your data in a far more secure position than a password alone could provide.
What Is The Difference Between 2FA And MFA?
2FA is short for two-factor authentication, while MFA means multi-factor authentication. With 2FA, your account must be verified by two separate systems. MFA, on the other hand, demands that you ID is confirmed at least twice. MFA will consider contextual factors – such as time and location – to decide how likely it is that the login is genuine. If there is any cause for concern, MFA will demand an additional verification. This, again, adds another layer of security to your account, without drastically impacting on user experience.
