Articles in Category: Two-factor Authentication

How to Add Two-Factor Authentication to Your Google Account

Adding the most common and secure form of two-factor authentication to your account.

A photorealistic image showcasing two-factor authentication. The scene includes a smartphone displaying a 2FA app a laptop with a password manager open, and a social security website login page on a desktop screen. The background is a modern, well-lit office setup. The devices are positioned to emphasize cross-platform usability, with a focus on security.

What’s the Best Two-Factor App?

Two-factor authentication is one of the most important things you can do to secure your accounts. Here are the 2FA apps I can recommend.

A person receiving a scam call. The person looks confused while holding a phone. A large speech bubble from the phone says 'Give me the code!' Contrasting this, another speech bubble from a nearby computer screen says 'Never share this code.'

One-Time Code Contradiction: When to Share and When to Beware

You’re told not to share your two-factor or other authentication code. And then you’re asked for it.

A photorealistic image of a modern smartphone displaying a notification for an unexpected two-factor authentication request.

What to Do With an Unexpected Two-factor Code

Getting an unexpected authorization code on your phone or via email can be concerning. Let’s see when it’s a sign of a problem and what to do about it.

A user in a modern, well-lit office environment. The user is viewing their computer screen, which displays an email with a phishing attempt; a large, transparent fish hook symbol overlays the email content, indicating danger. Beside the computer, on the desk, is a smartphone showing a notification for a two-factor authentication (2FA) request.

Beware the Middleman: How Your 2FA Could Be Compromised

Some forms of two factor authentication have vulnerabilities. Here’s how to avoid it.

A Roman warrior in full armor, holding a large shield in a defensive stance, is standing protectively over a USB security key placed on the ground. The sky is darkened by a dense flurry of incoming arrows, emphasizing the warrior's role as the protector of this modern digital key.

How to Protect Yourself From a Two-Factor Hack

Two-factor authentication isn’t perfect, but it’s much better than not using it at all. Here are the various risks and what you can do to protect yourself.

Dealing With the Demise of Authy Desktop

Authy’s desktop version is going away (darn it!). Here’s how I will replace it.

A photorealistic image showing a modern smartphone on the left side of the frame, displaying a QR code on its screen. On the right side, a scrap of paper also showing the same QR code, implying it's a written backup of the code. The background is simple and unobtrusive, focusing attention on the smartphone and the paper. This scene represents the concept of securing a backup for two-factor authentication codes.

Another Way to Protect Yourself From 2FA Loss

A little bit of preparation when you set it up can make losing your Google Authenticator 2FA device a minor inconvenience.

A "Missing" poster. The poster is detailed and looks like it's pinned on a wooden board or wall. The top of the poster has bold, black text saying "Missing". Below the text, there's a high-quality, realistic photo of a mobile phone, depicting it as the missing item. The phone should look distinct and easily recognizable. The poster has a slightly weathered look, as if it has been up for a while, adding to the realism. The overall image captures the essence of a traditional missing item poster, with the unique twist of featuring a mobile phone as the missing object.

I Lost My Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Device. How Do I Sign In?

Fear of second-factor loss prevents some people from using two-factor authentication. There’s no need to fear that scenario.

Why ANY Two-Factor Is Better than No Two-Factor

Headlines are proclaiming that two-factor authentication has been hacked. That in no way means you shouldn’t use it. Your account is still much safer with two-factor enabled.