Upgrade your security with two-factor authentication
Keep your most sensitive information safe
Give your data an extra layer of protection
What is multi-factor authentication?
Multi-factor authentication is a security measure used to confirm someone’s identity. It requires more than one piece of evidence — called a factor — to allow access to confidential content.
What are the factors?
There are various types of evidence that can be used for multifactor authentication.To confirm your identity, you can submit something you know (a password), something you have (an app or a hardware token), or something you are (biometric data like a fingerprint).
What is two-factor authentication?
Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, is a subset of multi-factor authentication. It requires two pieces of evidence to confirm your identity. It usually is a password and a second proof.
What 2FA options does NordPass have?
With NordPass, you can opt for an extra layer of security with two-factor authentication. NordPass requires something you know (your email account and the 6-digit code you’ll receive), and something you have (an authentication app).
How does 2 step authentication work?
When logging in to your NordPass account, you will be asked to complete the following actions. First, you’ll need to enter your email address. Then, a 6-digit code will be sent to you via email. Once you type it in, you’ll be asked to confirm a unique verification code generated by the authentication app.
Why should you use two-factor authentication?
Two-factor authentication provides an additional security level. Even if cybercriminals were to get a hold of your account email ID, they still couldn’t access your NordPass vault. They’d be missing the second step — your unique verification code provided by the authentication app. Even if they were able to get past the 2FA, they would need to know your Master Password to unlock your vault.
Is two-factor authentication safe?
Two-factor authentication is safe if you practice basic safety principles. Using 2FA does not mean that your security is bulletproof — you still need a strong Master Password that you don’t share with anyone. Additionally, the security can be compromised if you lose your device with the authentication app.
How effective is two-factor authentication?
Two-factor authentication works well if you’re using strong passwords. It provides secure access to your sensitive information in a matter of seconds. Although 2FA is optional in NordPass, we highly recommend choosing it.
Frequently asked questions
Two-factor authentication is a security measure requiring dual verification. Two way authentication is effective because even if a hacker got a hold of your password, they still couldn't get through the second level of verification.
Authentication that requires only your username and password is called a single-factor authentication. It means that it only requires one category of credentials — most likely your password. It’s the most common type of security measure, also available with NordPass.
Here’s an example of two-factor authentication in use — logging into your Facebook account with 2FA. For the first factor, you are asked to provide something you know — your password. Then, for the second factor, you are asked to provide something you have — a unique, limited time code sent to your phone. You’re granted access to your account only after providing both pieces of evidence confirming your identity.