Do you have an account on Facebook or Google or Twitter or any other major platform where you share your personal data or any other crucial information — then activating two-factor authentication or 2FA on all these online accounts is one of the important steps you should take care of from your end to defeat cybercriminals & avoid account takeovers.
It doesn’t matter how strong is your password, there is always a way to compromise your online account and its data. May be through an innocent-looking email — phishing attack — hackers can easily sniff out your so-called strong password.
But by activating 2FA you are enabling multi-layer protection to your accounts so that anyone who tries to accesses your account requires more than your password — needed a random auto-generated code that you receive as SMS or email or from authenticators. 2FA is the easiest way to add another security layer to guard your online presence against hackers.
There are different types of two-factor authentication methods and the safest one is by using two-factor authentication apps. 2FA apps are a piece of software installed on your smartphone or computer that generates random verification codes in every 30secs so that every time when you login to your online accounts you also have to access these two-factor authentication apps at the same time to retain time-based one-time verification code to grant access.
And here are some of the best two-factor authentication apps for Android and iOS you should install to safeguard your online accounts.
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Two-Factor Authentication Apps for Android and iOS:
1. Authy 2-Factor Authentication
Authy is one of the best two-factor authentication apps that comes with cross-platform support, multi-device synchronization, and backup feature. And these three features stand out Authy from other popular 2FA apps. Apart from Android and iOS apps, Authy is also available in Windows, Mac and as a Chrome extension.
Unlike other 2FA apps, Authy prevents account lockout when you lose your phone because backup feature allows users to simply log in to the new device and regain access to secure codes. And also multi-device support helps you to install Authy on another device like a PC or another smartphone as a backup other than your main device.
2. Google Authenticator
Google Authenticator is the most popular and used two-factor authenticator. It comes with a simple interface and receives codes even if you don’t have an Internet connection or mobile service. Google Authenticator works with many providers & accounts and supports Android Wear. A dark theme option is also available for users.
3. Microsoft Authenticator
Microsoft Authenticator has similar functions and a clean interface as Google Authenticator. In addition, it supports multi-factor authentication for Microsoft accounts where users have to approve the notification sent to the Microsoft Authenticator instead of typing a verification code to grant access to the account.
4. LastPass Authenticator
LastPass Authenticator offers user-friendly, secure verification with one-tap login to top sites, including Google, Facebook, Amazon, and more. You can also mark a device as “trusted”, so you won’t be prompted for codes on that device while your account remains protected by two-factor authentication.
5. TOTP Authenticator
TOTP Authenticator allows you to quickly and conveniently protect your accounts by adding 2-factor authentication. The app brings together best in class security practices and seamless user experience together. TOTP Authenticator also allows you to backup your accounts on Cloud or create an encrypted offline backup. Like Authy, TOTP also provides a Chrome extension to make 2FA on desktop easier.
So these are some of the best feature-rich two-factor authentication apps for Android and iOS devices. Activate 2FA on your popular online accounts using any of these top 2FA authenticators that gives you all the security, without any of the frustration.
