The number of threats and scams that circulate on the Internet has made security for the majority of users one of the most important aspects when connecting to the Internet. Among all the risks, one of the most dangerous is the theft of accounts, so it is always advisable to use passwords as safe as possible, change them from time to time and avoid using it to access all our accounts. In this regard, the great importance of using two-factor authentication or 2FA must be stressed . A system that allows us to add a level of security to the access of our accounts. If you want to increase the security of your accounts, we will show the best 2FA applications and how these tools work.
Although 100% can never be assured that in this way our accounts will become completely invulnerable, the truth is that we greatly increase the security of access to them. And it is that this type of two-factor authentication, as its name indicates, what it does is require two identification methods to ensure that we are going to enter are ourselves.
In this way, the security of our accounts increases considerably, since, even if our username and password fall into the hands of third parties, they will not be able to access our accounts if they do not confirm the second identification method.
These two methods are usually, first of all our password and once we have identified with username and password, we will be asked to enter a security code. We will receive this code, generally, through our mobile phone, since it is the device that we always carry. Therefore, wherever we are, we can receive the access code to our account to identify ourselves correctly.
Although there are different ways to generate authentication codes, the most common is through a text message to our mobile by the service we want to connect to. A fairly simple method, although we can always use some of the double authentication applications to make it more convenient and immediate.
The Best two-factor authentication applications
Google Authenticator
As almost when we talk about any service of the giant search engine, Google Authenticator is probably the most popular two-factor authentication application. The company itself recommends its use for all company accounts, but it also works for a wide variety of services. So much so, that it is rare for a service to be compatible with these types of applications and not compatible with Google’s.
If operation is quite simple, the first thing we have to do is install the app on our mobile and then set up the account we want to protect with this method. To do this, it offers us the possibility to scan a QR code with all the account information and its configuration. Once this is done, when trying to identify us in a service protected with Google Authenticator, the application itself will generate a code, valid for a few seconds, which will be checked to authorize the login. Download Google Authenticator for iOS and Android .
Authy
Although the Google tool is one of the most popular, since it offers great operation and is very simple to handle, for those looking for a more complete two-factor authentication application Authy may be the best option.
And it is that in addition to being compatible with the vast majority of 2AF authentication services, it has a number of very interesting additional functions. Among them, it is worth highlighting the option that it offers us to make a backup copy of our accounts and that allows us to use a fingerprint or facial identification to identify ourselves. It is multiplatform, so it is available for iOS, Android, Chrome, Windows and macOS. Go to the Authy website .
LastPass Authenticator
This is the app for the two-step verification of LastPass, the famous password manager. Like the rest of the tools in this list, LastPass Authenticator allows you to configure the verification of two factors in any of the compatible services. By sending a 6-digit code, as in Google Athenticator, and checking it, we can access our accounts more securely.
LastPass Authenticator is available in the App Store for Apple devices, Google Play if we use Android and the Windows Store for the Microsoft environment. Go to the official website .
Duo Mobile
Duo mobile uses the two-factor authentication service of Duo Security to provide a more secure login to our accounts. Like the rest, this tool generates passwords as a double A2F system to access any of our accounts, but this time, it should be noted that it also allows faster identification through push notifications.
That is, at the time of receiving the notification from the application, just tap on it so that we can identify and access quickly, how and above all, secure our accounts. Download Duo Mobile for iOS or Android .
Microsoft Authenticator
The Microsoft tool is another one that could not be missing in this list. A two-factor authentication tool or 2AF that we can use on our mobile or tablet, since it is available for iOS and Android , as well as for the Microsoft environment in the Windows Store.
With Microsoft Authenticator we can add a safer way to access our accounts. For this, the app itself will provide us with a code, which we must enter in the service in question and it will be in charge of checking that they match to give us secure access to our accounts. Recommended for use for those who use Microsoft services on a daily basis and want secure access.
FreeOTP Authenticator
Although it is perhaps the most unknown of this compilation, the truth is that FreeOTP Authenticator is a free and open source double factor authentication application that works really well. It is possible to use it as a double identification method in the most popular sites such as Facebook and Google services, among many others, even in productivity tools such as Github itself.
In this way, we can add a second layer of security in access to our online accounts by generating a single-use password or code to which only we will have access. Download FreeOTP Authenticator for iOS and Android .