Authy
Authy is a Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)|two-factor authentication (2FA) app that provides an additional layer of security for online accounts beyond just usernames and passwords. It's similar to Google Authenticator but comes with several features that distinguish it. Authy is designed to generate Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP)|time-based one-time passwords (TOTPs) for 2FA, enhancing the security of user accounts on various online platforms.
One of the standout features of Authy is its ability to sync across multiple devices. This means you can access your 2FA tokens from your smartphone, tablet, or desktop, which is convenient if you lose access to one of your devices. Authy allows users to back up their 2FA accounts in the cloud. If you change or lose your device, you can easily recover your accounts on a new device after verifying your identity.
Like Google Authenticator, Authy generates TOTPs offline, making it usable even in areas without internet connectivity. In addition to generating TOTPs, Authy also supports push authentication – a simple approve or deny prompt for logging in, adding ease of use. You can use Authy to manage 2FA tokens for various services, including social media, cloud storage, email, and online banking.
The process is:
- When setting up 2FA for an online account, if you choose to use an authenticator app, you can opt for Authy.
- You typically scan a QR code provided by the service to add your account to Authy. This process securely transfers the shared secret key used to generate the TOTPs.
- For logging in to your account, after entering your password, you'll be prompted to enter the 6-digit code from Authy.
- Open Authy to view the code, which refreshes every 30 seconds.
Authy enhances account security by requiring a second form of verification, protecting against password theft and unauthorized access. The ability to sync across devices and back up your accounts reduces the risk of being locked out of your accounts if you lose access to your primary device.
While the multi-device feature and cloud backups add convenience, some users might have concerns about the implications of cloud-based storage for sensitive 2FA data. The security of your Authy app depends on the security of your devices and your cloud account.