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.
