The two factor authentication allows us to use our bank accounts from one safer way, completely eliminating the risk of the presence of third parties.
This process consists of identity verification by sending codes to the affiliated mobile, the communication of both points allow access to the accounts and their movements. The number one software for this job it’s called Google Authenticator, which is composed of a series of characteristics that they allow us to protect our privacy.
In this article, we will explain in detail what’s the importance of this type of verification and we will also mention the different software that currently exists for two-factor authentication.
Why is it important to have two-factor authentication on your accounts?
In 2019, specifically on September 14, the Second Directive on Payment Services (PSD2), whose legislation indicates the regulation and increased security when making payments or account movements over the Internet. This refers to the need for two-factor authentication in all online accounts.
Also to payments with bank accounts, so that you can decrease the risk of identity theft. Two-factor authentication has great importance for both points, meaning for consumers the way to avoid intermediaries when carrying out operations and electronic transactions.
Avoiding the presence of third parties, the figure of the attacker is also eliminated, because are completely canceled all the ways that it may use to obtain access to our data. In Spain, this law was approved in order to Anyone who needs to make movements over 30 euros, you will need to meet the two-factor identification before the login can be rendered.
List of the best alternatives to Google Authenticator to activate two-factor verification
Globally people use to improve the privacy of their accounts the Google Authenticator system, this being the best software for two-factor verification. However, this it’s not the only one technology, since there are other softwares that allow us to protect the access of our accounts.
Such we will mention them below:
Two-factor authenticator at Apple
Devices Manzana, integrate into their system the verification of two factors, we simply must enter the configuration menu, and activate this function. With this verification we will have safer account movements, allowing us to validate transactions through security codes that the device receives to verify identity.
Microsoft Authenticator
This is one Microsoft designed application, allowing us to do an identity verification, to increase security layer that allows access to purchases of the articles or services of Microsoft. It is completely free to use, and in their latest updates they have integrated technologies that allow finger and facial recognition, although this function depends a lot on the devices we have in use.
Authy
Authy is an application that allows us as Android users improve security when making payments online. These features are integrated with file backups to improve the network transmission system. The objective of this verification is to allow us to protect our device in the presence of loss or theft, so that possession of our bank accounts can be prevented.
This application also offers us a desktop version, allowing us to become a little independent from our phone, receiving the confirmation codes directly on our computer. With the use of these codes, no external person will be able to access our accounts. If we present a situation where the telephone get lost, we will be able to change the verification with 2FA password protection.
HENNGE OTP
This is an application that we can download for our iOS, allowing us to improve the security of our devices by integrating double authentication features to provide access to our accounts and personal data. We do not need to make any payment to be able to use this application, because it is completely free to use.
Sound login authenticator
If you are already tired of typing the annoying identification codes to confirm your identity, you can make use of this application that allows you simply confirm the noise made by the mobile. It requires the installation of the extension in the browser, and having a microphone on the computer, because confirmation is made by means of sounds.
We only have to point our phone to the computer, and select the account on the screen of our smartphone, so that the tone or sound is captured by the browser extension, filling in automatically the code on the website where we try to access or log in. This system it’s completely free and can be downloaded for Android and iOS, it is compatible with all versions of both devices.
FreeOTP
FreeOTP was developed with the idea of fortify the security system when making monetary transactions over the Internet. With this App we can scan any type of QR code, confirming between both points the identity of the user. It is considered to be an open source application, so it does not need any paid subscription or other, for its use. In addition, it is available for devices Android and iOS.
andOTP
If you are looking for a token generator application open source, but you also want to have integrated the qualities it offers FreeOTP, then the best option for you is andOT, an app that lets you enjoy a great list of features focused on improving the security of your device.
Among its functions we can find the panic trigger, which consists of sending an alert to our mobile when it has been lost or stolen, ordering it to delete all access data to our account, thus maintaining their confidentiality. At the moment, this application only available for Android devices, but it is presumed that for the next few years a version compatible with iOS can be generated.
LastPass Authenticator
LastPass Authenticator, is an application that focuses on two-step verification, integrated with an excellent password manager, and like Google allows us to configure the verification of factors in any service and device. The process consists of sending 6-digit codes, allowing us a more secure access in any situation.
Duo Mobile
Duo Mobile is an application that improves and facilitates the verification of two factors, integrating access with just press received notifications on mobile devices. It should be noted that its function and adaptability depends on the needs of its users, since it offers a fully configurable system.
The high recognition of this great application is due to its characteristics of verification via push notifications, avoiding the user having to constantly enter digits. On the other hand, it is a software that we can find compatible for iOS and Android devices.
1Password.com
Last but not least is the great 1Password, a popular system for allowing us confidential management of our passwords. Among its latest updates, the factor verification function was integrated, which is free to use for 30 days. This cross-platform software can be downloaded for all operating systems, such as MacOS; Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, and more.