Activating Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Steps to Take

Definition of Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

The extra security measure known as Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), also called two-step verification, requires users to give two distinct authentication factors to validate their identities. A user's login information and the resources they can access are better protected with the implementation of 2FA.

The Evolution of Our Security System

Nowadays, everything is digitalized. We rely on the digital world for all tasks, big and small. We constantly engage in activities such as browsing, searching, purchasing, and accessing numerous websites and applications. We enter our personal information, including name, address, credit card number, bank account number, etc. for these online transactions. To protect these data, we exclusively employ User Id and password combinations. We also constantly modify passwords and add special characters to make guessing more challenging. Despite all these efforts, cybercriminals can still crack the password, steal our sensitive data, and exploit it for their purposes. This led to heavy financial losses. As a result, passwords alone can't protect our data.

You shouldn't be alarmed by me. I am responsible for informing you on how to safeguard your data against malicious attacks, data breaches, and hackers. Two Factor Authentication (2FA) enters the scene as an additional security measure in this situation. Up to a point, 2FA can protect our info.

How does 2FA Work?

2FA stands for two-step authentication. The system will display a QR code after receiving the Email Id and password. Through a mobile app like Authy or Google Authenticator, we must scan the QR code to receive an OTP. We are granted access to the application after entering the OTP. Therefore, the password is the first factor and the OTP is the second.

How to Activate Two-Factor Authentication for Your Account?

Follow these instructions to enable two-factor authentication for your account.

  1. Click the profile icon and Settings on the right-top of your account home page.
  2. The Product Settings page appears.
  3. Click on Setup two-factor authentication.
     
  4. Click on Enable.
  5. Then the next pop-up appears.
  6. Scan the QR code using the Google Authenticator app or Authy, and it will be saved to your mobile application.
  7. You must enter the OTP that is displayed in the application the next time you log in.
  8. You can also Disable and Update the QR code.
  9. If you click on setup two-factor authentication again, the status will change to active. You can also view the QR code by clicking View QR Code.

How to Activate Two-Factor Authentication Globally?

If you are a super admin or administrator, you can activate two-factor authentication globally. Then, it will be required of all users. It will increase the system's security and shield it from attacks and data leaks. 

Follow these steps to do this task.

  1. Click the profile icon and Settings on the right-top of your account home page.
  2. Click on Configure Company.
  3. Toggle on Enable Two-Factor Auth Globally 

How to Activate Two-Factor Authentication for Company-Level Users?

Note: Super Admin and Company Level Administrator can perform this action
  1. Click the profile icon and Settings on the right-top of your account home page.
  2. Click on Configure Company.
  3. If you want to enable two-factor authentication for existing company-level users then toggle on the 2FA status.
  4.  You can also enable two-factor authentication when you add a new user. Click on Add User
  5. Then the Invite New User popup appears.
  6. If you don't want to enable 2FA, choose Not Required, and if you do, select App Authentication. If 2FA has previously been enabled globally, just the App Authentication option will be available.

How to Activate Two-Factor Authentication for Organization-Level Users?

Note: Super Admin and Company Level Administrator can perform this action
  1. Click the profile icon and Organizations on the right-top of your account home page.
  2. The Organization page appears. Click on the Organization name where you want to add a new user.
  3. If you want to enable two-factor authentication for existing users then toggle on the 2FA status.
  4. You can also enable two-factor authentication when you invite a new user. Click on Invite User.
  5.  Then the Invite New User popup will appear.
  6. If you don't want to enable 2FA, choose Not Required, and if you do, select App Authentication. If 2FA has previously been enabled globally, just the App Authentication option will be available.

How to Utilize 2FA?

If 2FA is enabled, a QR code will appear after entering the Email Id and password during login. To scan the QR code, you must first download apps like Google Authenticator or Authy to your smartphone.

Note: This applies only to Invited Users

       

  One OTP will be generated after scanning; input it in the appropriate field, then click "Verify."

       

 The portal will then be accessible to you.

 If you are a super admin or administrator, you can only log in using the OTP that is saved in your mobile application.