Leaks and breaches are scary. You never know when your password was hacked. So, it is really important to enable Multi-factor authentication (MFA) or two-factor authentication (2FA) to add another layer of protection. A lot of services use OTP-based 2FA, but several services now use Authenticator apps. In this article, I will explain Authenticator apps and the best Authenticator apps you can start using for protecting your web account.
Authenticator Apps
Authenticator apps are software applications that generate one-time passwords (OTP) for two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA). They provide an extra layer of security to protect user accounts from unauthorized access.
The way an authenticator app works is that it generates a time-sensitive, unique code that can be used in combination with a username and password to verify a user’s identity. These codes are typically valid for only a short period of time, usually around 30 seconds, and can be used only once.
Authenticator apps are typically used as an alternative to SMS-based authentication, which has been found to be less secure due to the possibility of SMS hijacking. Authenticator apps can be downloaded and installed on a user’s mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, and can be used to secure accounts on various websites and online services, including email accounts, social media accounts, and banking accounts.
Now check the list of the best authenticator apps.
1. Google Authenticator
Google Authenticator is a software-based authenticator app developed by Google. It is used to add two-factor authentication (2FA) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) on different web accounts.
Google Authenticator works by generating time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) for user accounts. Users can enable 2FA or MFA on their accounts, and when they log in, they must enter a code generated by the app in addition to their username and password. The app generates a new code every 30 seconds, so the code is only valid for a short period of time.
The Google Authenticator app is available for both Android and iOS devices and can be downloaded for free from the respective app stores. Once the app is installed, users can set up their accounts by scanning a QR code or manually entering a secret key. Users can set up multiple accounts within the app and can manage their settings, including enabling and disabling 2FA or MFA for each account.
2. Microsoft Authenticator
Microsoft Authenticator is also a free authenticator app that helps to secure your online accounts by providing an additional layer of protection. The app generates one-time codes that you can use to verify your identity when you log into various online services.
Once you set up the app, it will generate a unique code that changes every 30 seconds. When you try to log in to a service that uses two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA), you’ll be prompted to enter this code in addition to your regular login information, such as your username and password.
Microsoft Authenticator supports a range of security features, including fingerprint and face recognition, to make it even easier to use. It can also be used to approve login requests through push notifications or to verify your identity through a phone call or text message.
You can use Microsoft Authenticator with a range of online services, including Microsoft’s own services like Office 365, as well as other popular services like Facebook, Google, and Amazon. Using an authenticator app like Microsoft Authenticator can help to keep your online accounts secure and reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
3. LastPass Authenticator
LastPass Authenticator is a similar Authenticator app to secure your online accounts with an extra layer of protection. LastPass Authenticator is developed by LastPass, a popular password manager company.
LastPass Authenticator asks you to link your online accounts that use two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA). The app shows a code that will be asked by the app where you enabled 2FA.. The code changes every 30 seconds, and is unique to your account.
You can use LastPass Authenticator to add 2FA on different online services such as social media accounts, email accounts, and online banking. Like other authenticator apps, it also offers a range of security features, including push notifications, biometric verification, and the ability to use your phone’s camera to scan QR codes for easy setup.
4. Authy
Authy is developed by Twilio, a company that provides cloud communication services. Authy is a similar app to use two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA) with any of the online services.
When you set up Authy, you’ll link it to your various online accounts that use 2FA or MFA. Once set up, you’ll be prompted to enter a code generated by the app in addition to your regular login information. The code changes every 30 seconds, and is unique to your account.
Authy offers a range of security features, including fingerprint and face recognition, and push notifications to make it easy to use. You can use the app to protect your online accounts including social media accounts, email accounts, and online banking. The app lets you restore your codes in case you lose your phone or need to transfer your codes to a new device.
5. 2FAS
2FAS is developed by a company called 2FAS. It is also a good cloud-based security service to add two-factor authentication on different web accounts. The code changes every 30 seconds, and is unique to your account.
The app doesn’t need to know your phone number, so it is not susceptible to SIM-swapping fraud. You can add PIN to the app or use FaceID in iPhone. Unlike Google Authenticator, the app can also create cloud backups of your registered accounts. The backup is encrypted and only accessible from the 2FAS app.
It also supports a variety of authenticator apps, such as Google Authenticator and Authy, and push notifications for making it easy to use.
