What is Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication adds an additional layer of security by introducing a second step to your login. It takes something you know (i.e.: your password), and adds a second factor, typically something you physically have (such as your phone). Since both are required to log in, in the event an attacker obtains your password two-factor authentication would stop them from accessing your account.
Why do you need it?
Passwords are increasingly easy to compromise. They can often be guessed or leaked, they usually don’t change very often, and despite advice otherwise, many of us have favorite passwords that we use for more than one thing. So Two-factor authentication gives you additional security because your password alone no longer allows access to your account.
How does it work?
A form of Two-Factor Authentication is "Time-based One-Time Password". This authentication option get's it's second factor using a time based algorithm. You can install an app to your mobile phone so that it can be used to generate the codes. If you don't already have an app that can do this, for Windows mobile devices we recommend Microsoft Authenticator Opens in new window and for iOS and Android mobile devices we recommend the Authy App Opens in new window over Google Authenticator. The reason we recommend Authy over Google Authenticator can be summed up in this article Opens in new window. One of the great features of Authy is that it provides multi-device support. Once you are done adding all your devices to your account, as a safety measure, we also recommend that you disable multi-device from within the Authy App settings which will prevent unauthorized devices from being added to your account. To better understand Authy 2FA’s Multi-Device Feature we recommend that you read this article Opens in new window.
How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-Factor Authentication can be anabled from your user account after logging in.
Simply click the down arrow next to yor name and select Security Settings.
From there, scroll down to the section titled Two-Factor Authentication and then click the box that says Click here to Enable.
A window will pop-up letting you know that "Two-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of protection to logins. Once enabled & configured, each time you sign in you will be asked to enter both your username & password as well as a second factor such as a security code."
Click Get Started.
Once on the next page you will be able to use your Authy App to confirm and finish the Two-Factor Authentication setup process.
