AUTHY DESKTOP INSTALL
AUTHY DESKTOP FOR ANDROID
AUTHY DESKTOP CODE
AUTHY DESKTOP PASSWORD

So, you can now use the app to receive one-tap push notifications to approve sign in - no need to enter the code either. Microsoft Authenticator also works with Microsoft’s enterprise solution. The 2FA codes never leave your device unless you want them to, and they are encrypted on the device before they are uploaded. Make sure to secure your Apple account too.īoth Authy and Microsoft Authenticator allow locking apps using a 4-digit PIN and fingerprint scanner. That means the hacker will need to access both these accounts before he/she could steal 2FA codes. In the case of Microsoft Authenticator, there is no need to use a SIM, and if you choose to use your Microsoft account, backups are stored in iCloud instead. You can see a list of registered devices on the same screen.

AUTHY DESKTOP INSTALL

So, make sure to disable that option after you are done setting up your accounts and scanning QR codes.Įven if a hacker uses the SIM swap trick, he won’t be able to install Authy on his device because it is disallowed. You can only install Authy on a 2nd or 3rd device when it is enabled. To solve this problem, Authy implemented an option called Allow multi-device. SecurityĮarlier, we discussed how using a mobile number to register an account with Authy can be dangerous. Yup, I am paranoid when it comes to my security which brings us to the next point. I keep a diary and an archival Sakura pen which is waterproof, fade-resistant, and chemical proof. So, how do I sign in to my Microsoft account? That’s why you should always write down one-time backup codes offline at the time of scanning QR codes on all sites. You should use 2FA for your Microsoft account as well. The backups are encrypted and stored in iCloud, and your Microsoft account is used for verification. The interface will ask you to feed in your Microsoft account details. To begin, go to Settings on your iPhone and tap on iCloud backup. You will need a Microsoft account for taking a backup of your 2FA codes.

AUTHY DESKTOP FOR ANDROID

Microsoft has not announced anything for Android yet, but I am hopeful. For now, the ability to backup 2FA codes is only available for iOS users.

AUTHY DESKTOP PASSWORD

So, it is very important that you keep the backup password somewhere safe, preferably offline, and never share it with anyone. That way, a hacker may have access to your number using a SIM swap trick, but you still own the backup password.

However, you will need to enter the backup password to decrypt the synced keys. These backups can then be restored to another mobile device using the same phone number with an active SIM. These backups are encrypted on your device and then stored in the cloud on Authy servers, owned by Twilio. Taking BackupsĪuthy allows users to take backups of their codes if they lose their smartphones.

Just tap the ‘+’ icon and point the back camera towards the QR code. Scanning QR codes on both apps is easy and quick. However, you may use it with your Microsoft account, but that’s optional. Unlike Authy, you can use it without having to create an account. Microsoft Authenticator uses a similar layout where logos are synced making it easy to find 2FA codes of respective services. Google Authenticator never syncs them, and thereby makes it hard to find a 2FA code in a sea of text and numbers. Authy does have a solution to that which we will discuss in the Security point below.Īuthy uses a colorful layout where it is easy to find your 2FA codes since each entry uses logo of the respective service. In case you are unaware, SIM swapping is a common phishing technique where the hacker will issue a new SIM card with your number and then use the same to generate OTPs (One Time Password). That means your phone must have an active SIM card. When you open Authy for the first time, the app will ask you to create an account using your mobile number. Now, let’s see how Authy compares with Microsoft Authenticator and which 2FA app should you use.

Authy desktop