This article contains the best 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) apps for Android and iOS. Phishing attacks are a very common thing these days, and they happen to mostly our social media accounts or even emails. And these phishing links are made to appear in a deceptive way and a victim will never know he or she has clicked a phishing link.
Most websites or social media platforms will always tell their users or visitors to adapt to using a strong password combination, but I’ll tell you that is never enough as you can still lose your accounts to hackers. But with 2FA, you’re at least 90% safe.
Here on Naijaknowhow, I’ll be listing the best 2FA apps you can use on your Android or iOS device, with these apps you can add extra security to your accounts or even emails. Even I use 2FA to add extra security to my accounts, and you should too.
What is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)?
Two-factor authentication (2FA), occasionally referred to as multi-factor authentication (MFA), two-step verification or dual-factor authentication, is an online security procedure in which users provide two different authentication factors to verify themselves.
Traditional authentication typically relies on a single factor, which is usually a password or a PIN. However, passwords can be compromised or stolen, making accounts vulnerable to unauthorized access. Two-factor authentication addresses this vulnerability by requiring users to provide two separate pieces of evidence to prove their identity.
The two factors used in 2FA are typically categorized as follows:
- Something you know: This factor involves information that only the user should know, such as a password, PIN, or answers to specific security questions.
- Something you have: This factor requires the user to possess a physical item, usually a mobile device or a hardware token. It generates a unique, time-sensitive code that is used for authentication.
The authentication process typically works as follows:
- The user enters their username and password (first factor).
- After successfully entering the credentials, the system prompts the user to provide the second factor.
- The second factor can be a one-time password (OTP) generated by a mobile app, received via SMS or email, or retrieved from a hardware token.
- The user enters the one-time password or responds to a prompt on their mobile device.
- If both factors are successfully verified, the user gains access to the account or system.
The purpose of 2FA is to enhance security by requiring an additional layer of proof. Even if an attacker manages to obtain the user’s password, they would still need access to the second factor, which is harder to obtain.
Two-factor authentication is widely used to protect a variety of online accounts, including email, social media, online banking, and other sensitive services. It significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, making it an important security measure in today’s digital landscape.
List of the Best 2FA Apps For Android and iOS
1. Google Authenticator
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) with Google Authenticator is one of the best ways you can add extra security to your emails and social media accounts and you can do that without stress. Google Authenticator makes it very easy to stay protected and it auto-generates codes to gain access to your accounts.
Google Authenticator works offline and you can use it on different websites and apps, you just need to download the app on your Android or iOS device then go to your social media accounts and set up 2FA.
[appbox googleplay com.google.android.apps.authenticator2]
[appbox appstore id388497605]
2. Microsoft Authenticator
Microsoft Authenticator is another good Two-Factor Authentication app and it’s a bit similar to Google Authenticator but Microsoft 2FA seems better as it gives you easy access to all your accounts created under Microsoft. You can as well use it to secure other emails and social media accounts.
When you try accessing an account with Microsoft 2FA, you’ll get a notification sound that’ll indicate someone is trying to access your account. This app is very easy to use and it generates strong codes and keys to securely log you in.
[appbox googleplay com.azure.authenticator]
[appbox appstore id983156458]
3. LastPass Authenticator
LastPass is one of the best password keeper apps where you can store your login access to different websites and apps, then it automatically fills it in when you need it on the website or app. But its authenticator app works differently and adds extra security to vital email and passwords.
LastPass Auth app is one of the best Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) apps out there and it works perfectly on any website you use it on, it supports mobile apps and also some websites. You can trust LastPass to protect you at any time for free.
[appbox googleplay com.lastpass.authenticator]
4. Authy 2FA
Authy is another Two-Factor Authentication app you can use to secure your accounts from unknown logins, this app is one of the best out there and it provides strong key combinations when it comes to providing codes for 2FA. You can use Authy Authenticator to protect your social media accounts, your emails and even your web accounts.
Authy is very strong and reliable and it can’t be bypassed no matter how skilled the authorised user is. It is one of the best 2FA apps you can use on your Android and iOS devices.
[appbox googleplay com.authy.authy]
Conclusion
For the safe keeping of your emails and passwords using a more secure measure than the native password combinations we use, Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) apps are the best you can use and they work perfectly. So if you’re looking for the best 2FA apps for Android and iOS, you can trust any one of these apps I’ve listed.
