Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is an additional layer of security used to ensure that people trying to gain access to an online account are who they say they are. By requiring both a password and a second form of verification, such as a code from an authenticator app, 2FA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access. Authenticator-based 2FA involves using a smartphone app, such as Google Microsoft Authenticator, which generates time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) that users must enter along with their password. In an era of increasing cyber threats and data breaches, 2FA is crucial for protecting personal information and sensitive data. Activating 2FA helps prevent common attacks such as phishing, where attackers trick users into revealing their passwords. With 2FA, even if a password is compromised, the second verification step provides an additional safeguard, making it much harder for attackers to gain access to accounts.
You can enable Authenticator-based Two-Factor Authentication in the customer portal by the following steps:
Click on Two-Factor Authentication in the Main Menu and enable Two-Factor Authentication on the page.
Scan the QR-Code with your preferred authenticator application. We recommend to use Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator. If you have trouble scanning the code you can enter the setup key manually in the authenticator app.
The application will generate one-time code. Enter it into the One-time Code textbox to continue with the setup.
On the next page you will get displayed a recovery code. Copy this recovery code and store it in a safe location. You will need the recovery code if you no longer have access to your authenticator app to generate an one-time password (OTP). To finish the setup, check the checkbox “I have copied and saved this code” and press the finish button.
After that the Two-factor authentication is enabled for your account. On the next login you have to enter your username and password as before, in a second step you are asked to enter a one-time password (OTP) which is generated in your connected authenticator app. Enter the code and click the Verify button to login. If you do not want to be asked again on this browser on you device you can check the checkbox “Do not ask again on this device”.