The reason to use Two Factor Authentication (TFA) is that many user accounts can be easily cracked or phished. Some users use the same password at many sites, not only compromising one site if the account is cracked, but all sites that use the same password.
TFA is based on two authentication methods. Something your know, “your password” and something you have, “your mobile phone“.
TFA protects the user and their account from being compromised as each time the user authenticates, TFA requires a new 6 digit code which is regenerated every 30 seconds. This secondary authentication validates the user’s identity with something the user personally has, their mobile phone. This method can be used without having internet or cellular access so the user does not have to wait to receive an email or text message.
You will need a mobile phone, which includes iPhone and Android devices. The device will need to have connectivity to the internet for two (2) steps of the process, both times being very short.
Step 1:
The first time will be to install the “Google Authenticator” application, which will be used to hold a secret key and generate a one-time code every 30 seconds, to assist in logging you in.
Step 2:
The second time you will need internet access, this is when you register your 16 digit secret key from the registry.
After this, you will use your mobile phone and enter the 6 digit code provided whenever you login. This does not require internet access and takes about 5 seconds.
- If your phone is lost or stolen please inform us immediately and we can generate a new security key for your new device.
- You can use “Google Authenticator” to protect many different accounts and services including social media accounts for your protection.