Using Two Factor Authentication (2FA)
- Sophie Cooper
Contents:
Overview
2FA, or Two Factor Authentication, is a security method that requires more than one authentication type to verify a user's identity. The aim is to create a layered defence and make it more difficult for an unauthorized person to access online services, such as the Equiem platform.
By requiring multiple verification forms, 2FA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, even if one method (like a password) is compromised.
To access the Equiem Admin Panel, you must set up 2FA on your account.
How does 2FA work?
When you attempt to log in to the Admin Panel, you must provide more than one source of evidence to authenticate your identity:
Initial Entry: Enter your username and password.
Additional Verification: You then must provide a second factor. This will be via a third-party authenticator app on your smartphone. See the list of third-party apps below.
What are Third-Party Authenticator Apps?
Authenticator apps, such as Authy and Google Authenticator are applications that provide a second layer of security for logging into online accounts and services. They generate time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) or other types of one-time passcodes that users must enter in addition to their regular passwords. This method enhances security by making it significantly more difficult for attackers to gain unauthorized access, even if they have the user's password.
Setting up 2FA for your account
Download and install a third-party authenticator app.
Below are four of the most commonly used authenticator apps, though you can choose an alternative if you prefer.
App | Android | iOS |
|---|---|---|
Twilio Authy |
| |
Auth0 Guardian |
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Google Authenticator |
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Microsoft Authenticator |
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Open the Equiem Admin Panel in your browser and click Sign In
Enter your username and password as normal
A dialogue box will appear, with a QR code displayed.
Open your selected authentication app and scan the QR code shown in the dialog box on your log in screen to add 2FA for the Equiem Admin Panel.
The example below is for Google Authenticator.
Hit the Plus button to add a new authentication
Select Scan a QR Code and scan the QR code when your phone opens the camera app.
The Equiem ID one-time code will be added to your app
Enter the 6-digit code displayed for Equiem ID: into the ‘Enter your one-time code’ input field.
You will now be signed into the Equiem Admin Panel.
Logging in with 2FA
Once you have added Equiem to your chosen authenticator app, the app will generate a new Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP) every 30 seconds. You can use this code to complete your login.
Follow the below steps to log in to Admin Panel
Open Admin Panel and select Sign In
Enter your username and password. Select Log In.
Next, you will be prompted to add the 6-digit one time passcode from your authentication app
Open your authentication app and locate the Equiem ID code. Input this in the field provided and select Continue.
FAQs
Q: What should I do if I lose access to my authenticator app, such as if my phone is lost?
A: If you lose access to your authenticator app, please reach out to our support team, and they will assist you in resetting your 2FA.
Q: What should I do if the authenticator app isn’t working?
A: Please reach out to our support team for assistance.
Q: What authenticator app should I use?
A: We’ve listed four of the most popular options in this article though you are welcome to use any alternative app that you prefer. You should only use one app.
Q: When will I need to do this process?
A: You’ll only need to set up the authentication app once but you will be prompted to input an authentication code each time you log in to Admin Panel.