Guide: How to Backup Two-Factor Authentication Codes
With the number of high profile hacking cases on the rise, it is imperative that we take our security and privacy more seriously. Creating a strong password is no longer enough. That is why 2FA (two-factor authentication) has been developed to apply an extra layer of security. So far it works as intended. Like most people, I use a third-party app such as Google Authenticator to generate OTPs for my various accounts. Be it banking, foreign stock exchanges or even social media accounts. While this works amazingly well, there are times when people lose or can’t access their smartphone when they need 2FA to login. For this reason, the moment you scan 2FA QR codes with the app or device of your choice, you will also get back-up codes Today I will share a few simple yet effective and safe ways to support up this back-up 2FA codes to use them later in an emergency.
1. Print it
As the whole world goes paperless, I recommend you go the other way. Why? Wise men keep saying that we must do the exact opposite of what everyone else is doing to succeed in life! However, there are better reasons to use a paper. It cannot be hacked or compromised unless someone in your homeThe chance is actually small.
When you scan a QR code with the Google Authenticator app, you will see the option for backup codes. Print them on a piece of paper and keep them in a safe place. If you don’t have a printer, take a screenshot and print it at the office or a trusted friend. But don’t go to a cyber cafe. This may seem like a viable option, but there are safer ways to cover your bases. So read on about the other options.
2. LastPass
LastPass is a password management site that uses multiple layers of security, including encryption, to store passwords and other vital information on its cloud servers. They also make a cloud backupup feature to store and protect codes for your digital life. You can use the LastPass Authenticator app just like Google Authenticator. However, the former also allows you toup create codes on the cloud servers, as mentioned earlier. The app will ask you to enable this feature the first time you scan a QR code.
Otherwise, just open the app, click on menu and choose Settings. Switch Back hereup to LastPass feature to automate the process. So if you lose or cannot access your smartphone, you can easily recover all codes without having to rescan all sites. I recently did that while switching smartphones and it was a cumbersome process.
Just download the app, log in to LastPass and voila, everything will be synced right away. Visit LastPass
3. Authy
Google Authenticator provides an easy way to use 2FA, but there is no option to back upup to make. LastPass doubles up as a password manager and 2FA authenticator. Meanwhile, Authy only specializes in 2FAs. It comes with a cloud backup option that you can use to save and manage 2FA codes. Very useful in case you lose your smartphone or local backup codes that you printed on paper in the first step. The process is simple and similar to the one in LastPass. Open the Authy app and tap Accounts. Enable the Authenticator backups option to allow storing of codes in the cloud.
Like LastPass, you can now easily switch smartphones as all your codes and data are securely stored in the cloud. Peace of mind achieved. Visit Authy
Secure notes
Do you remember those backup codes we printed on a piece of paper in the first step? Although paper is relatively safe, you cannot always carry it with you. That kind of defeats the target in an emergency. Many password managers such as LastPass, 1Password and others allow you to take secure notes. These notes are stored in the cloud and can be accessed through apps and browsers.
Password managers already use high-quality security measures. So rest assured, your notes are safe and ready to use when you need them. Much better option than using a piece of paper.
5. Encrypted notes
Are you paranoid like me? Cool. I don’t feel comfortable with the idea of putting all the eggs in one basket. What do I do if my LastPass account has been hacked? I lose everything from passwords to notes, and even 2FA codes. That’s why I use Evernote to store my backup codes, but I don’t tell anyone. It’s our little secret. Evernote is the favorite note-taking app in Silicon Valley, and for good reason. It is loaded with features and (almost) free to use.
While Evernote is secure and password protected, you can also encrypt your notes. Create a new note and select the text you want to encrypt. Right-click and select Encrypt Selected Text. You will be asked to create a new password and passphrase hint. Done. Visit Evernote
6. Two is a business
This is what I personally use and recommend to anyone who takes password security seriously. It works if you only have two smartphones and the process is very simple. Open the 2FA page of a site that you think needs extra security. Now scan the QR code with the Google Authenticator app at the former phoneWait, you’re not done yet. Now scan the same code with your other’s Google Authenticator app phoneIn my case, I was using an Android and an iPhone.
If you are wondering, you can use the same Google account on both phones to use the Google Authenticator app. Now you should see the same codes being generated in both apps at the same time. Please confirm before proceeding. So now, even if you lose one phone, you can always rely on the other. Unless you lose them both, have a jar ready for tears.
Back up nowup of 2FA codes
While 2FA adds an extra layer of security to our connected world, we need to make sure we don’t lose the keys to our kingdom and when we do, we can access a duplicate set of keys. That’s why it’s essential to have a backup plan, and I want you to go through this now. And I urge you that a recent LastPass report states that only 55% of users would change passwords if they were hacked. That is ridiculous! So choose your side and password protection tools carefully. The next up: Do you use Firefox to browse the world around you? Do you also use it to store passwords and fill out forms? To learn how to enable and secure 2FA in Firefox.
How to Backup Two-Factor Authentication Codes: benefits
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[wpsm_accordion] [wpsm_accordion_section title=”Tutorial summary of How to Backup Two-Factor Authentication Codes”] In this guide, we told you about the How to Backup Two-Factor Authentication Codes; please read all steps so that you understand How to Backup Two-Factor Authentication Codes in case if you need any assistance from us, then contact us. [/wpsm_accordion_section] [wpsm_accordion_section title=”How this tutorial helping you?”] So in this guide, we discuss the How to Backup Two-Factor Authentication Codes, which undoubtedly helps you. [/wpsm_accordion_section] [wpsm_accordion_section title=”What is actual time in which this method complete?”] The time to complete the How to Backup Two-Factor Authentication Codes tutorial is 10+ minutes. [/wpsm_accordion_section] [wpsm_accordion_section title=”What are the supported Device?”] PC Laptop or Desktop [/wpsm_accordion_section] [/wpsm_accordion] [wpsm_divider top=”2px” bottom=”15px” style=”fadeout”]
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