Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a crucial security measure that protects your account from malicious login attempts. In this article, we will provide a brief explanation of the fundamentals of 2FA and how it integrates with YouTestMe GetCertified.
How 2FA Works – A Simple Explanation #
In today’s digital world, keeping your online accounts secure is essential. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a key tool in achieving this. Let’s break it down into two easy steps:
- Step 1 – Something You Know: Start by entering your username, something you already know, to access your account.
- Step 2 – Something You Have: After entering that information, you are prompted for a verification code. This code is sent to your mobile phone via text message or generated by an authenticator app, such as Google Authenticator. You enter this code to complete the login. This constitutes the second factor, something you have, which is dynamic and can constantly change.
By requiring both the static knowledge of the first factor and the dynamic, time-sensitive code (the second factor), 2FA adds an extra layer of security. Even if someone were to obtain your login credentials, they would still need access to your phone or authenticator app to log in successfully.
Multifactor Authentication at the SSO Level
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In another scenario, when you’re logging into YouTestMe using Single Sign-On (SSO), things work a bit differently. If you’re not already logged in through SSO, you’ll need Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). For a better understanding of SSO, check this article example where we used integration with Okta.
When initiating an SSO login and the user does not already have an active SSO session, MFA becomes a mandatory requirement to access the identity provider, ensuring an added layer of security and authentication.
Explaining 2FA with an Authenticator Application #
When implementing 2FA using an authenticator application, the process typically includes user registration, the generation of a secure time-based one-time password (TOTP) secret key, and providing an easier setup using QR codes. Users are instructed to download an authenticator application, such as Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator, on their mobile device. This application allows them to scan QR codes provided during registration. Before displaying QR codes, the secret keys associated with user accounts are securely stored in the application’s backend.
After setup, users are prompted to enter verification codes generated by the app, which are time-based one-time passwords (TOTPs) derived from their secret keys. Successful verification enables 2FA for their accounts or grants access to the application.
In addition to these steps, it’s considered good practice to provide users with a set of backup codes during the registration process, serving as an alternative verification method in case they lose access to their authenticator application. Ensuring a smooth user experience involves error handling, offering clear instructions, and addressing potential issues during the authenticator application setup.
Lastly, users should be educated on the importance of securing their authenticator applications and backing up their recovery codes.
