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Authy for WordPress 2FA

The benefits of using Authy 2FA service for WordPress 2FA

Authy is one of the most-used 2FA services around. It offers several authentication channels, multi-device support, and a host of other features – offering administrators and users lower entry barriers and increased flexibility among its many other benefits.

With 2FA being the undisputed champion of login security, using WP 2FA to integrate Authy with WordPress can help you seriously level up your WordPress authentication security with minimal fuss and effort while enjoying the many advantages it offers.

In this article, we will be looking at what Authy is and what benefits you can look forward to when integrating it into your WordPress website. We will also take a brief look at WP 2FA – the WordPress plugin that brings Authy and WordPress together.

What is Authy?

Authy is a 2FA service offered by Twilio. It can integrate with 3rd party applications and websites, allowing platforms such as WordPress to leverage what it has to offer. On top of regular authentication, it also offers user account management and other benefits such as supporting multiple devices and account recovery, among other things.

Authy also has its own authentication app, compatible with iOS and Android mobile devices as well as Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. While this gives users who do not own a smartphone the ability to use 2FA, it also offers other possibilities, which we will discuss shortly.

Benefits of using Authy with WordPress

The main benefit of Authy is that it provides both an API and an app. Connecting the two is WP 2FA, a WordPress plugin that includes several configuration options to make sure your WordPress integration is a resounding success.

Authy also offers additional services that are complementary to two-factor authentication (2FA). This gives administrators more control over how 2FA is deployed on their WordPress website while giving users more options in how they use and manage it.

Authy also allows users to create an account tied to their phone number rather than a physical phone. The advantages of this are two-fold. First, if a user gets a replacement phone, they can log in to their account and instantly gain access to all of their tokens and data. Secondly, it allows users to configure their account on multiple devices, so when the phone runs out of battery, the user can log in from another device without wasting any time. Accounts can also be backed up for increased peace of mind.

In many cases, the benefits of using Authy for WordPress 2FA authentication depend on the implementation and the setup on which it is being considered. Having said that, here are some of the features that you can leverage to ensure a better 2FA user experience:

Multi-Channel

One of the biggest benefits of Authy is the many authentication channels that it supports. While you’ll find channels such as email and app OTPs, Authy extends the selection to include:

  • SMS
  • Voice
  • WhatsApp
  • Push notifications

With so many available channels, WordPress administrators and website owners can ensure that all of their users can reap the benefits that 2FA offers and undoubtedly sleep better at night.

One channel worth pointing out is push notifications. When using this method, no OTP is sent – and no OTP needs to be entered in WordPress to log in successfully. Instead, all a user has to do is accept a request on their phone. This method is considered one step safer than the OTP method since no codes are involved in the authentication process.

Authy charges may apply depending on the subscription plan and authentication channel you choose.

Multi-device

Authy allows users to log in to their Authy account from multiple devices, thus eliminating the single point of failure that’s prevalent in many authenticator apps. Furthermore, both mobile and desktop platforms are supported, ensuring users can still log in even if their primary device goes missing or is misplaced.

Account backup

Authy user accounts can be backed up, helping users ensure that even if the worst happens, they can still access their 2FA codes by restoring their account to a new device. Backups are fully encrypted and stored in the cloud – making them easily accessible from just about anywhere without taking on unnecessary risks.

Easy to use

Whilst Authy is full of features, it is still easy and straightforward to use. It follows the same structure as many other authentication apps, reducing the learning curve required to get acquainted with Authy to the bare minimum. This means users will be up and running and fully productive in no time at all.

Central administration

Administrators can manage accounts and integrations from one central location, making it that much easier to deploy new sites and users and generally keep things running smoothly. Admins can use the Authy console to check how many times users requested tokens, suspend users, and more. With fewer platforms to manage, this can lower administrative overheads and increase efficiency.

Consolidate

If you are already using Authy in your organization, you can now add WordPress to your Authy administration console, helping you consolidate all of your 2FA authentication processes under one platform

Authy on WordPress websites

Integrating Authy with WordPress is easy, thanks to the WP 2FA plugin. All you need is an API key, and the plugin will do the rest, as explained in this configuring Authy on WordPress step-by-step guide. Choosing Authy for your WordPress two-factor authentication can help you achieve greater control over the security of your WordPress websites and users. The process is super-easy and can be completed in minutes.

STEP 1: DOWNLOAD THE PLUGIN

Download the WP 2FA plugin straight from our dedicated website. Once you complete the purchase, you’ll receive an email with a download link and license key. Make sure you check your spam/junk folder if you do not see the email in your inbox.

Step 2: Upload and install the plugin

Log in to your WordPress website, head to the Plugins menu, and upload the plugin installation file to your WordPress website. Install the plugin and enter the license key when prompted to do so. You can follow the WP 2FA configuration wizard or cancel it to configure 2FA on WordPress manually.

Step 3: Create an Authy account

If you do not have an Authy account yet, now is the time to get one. Depending on the authentication channel you use, such as SMS or voice, you might need to purchase credits. We have a complete Authy configuration guide should you need assistance.

Step 4: Configure 2FA policies using your Authy API key

Enable Authy 2FA service, as available under the primary 2FA methods section, and enter your Production API key. Users will now be able to select the configured Authy authentication methods when setting up 2FA.

Your WordPress website login just got more secure

twilio authy login request to wp 2fa

That’s it. Once users want to configure 2FA on their user accounts, they will have the option to choose Authy 2FA. This can help you increase the adoption rate by lowering the barriers to entry, as users can choose what works best for them.

As we’ve seen, adding 2FA to your WordPress website is very easy.

While Authy is a highlight that’s definitely worth mentioning, it is not the only one. The plugin also includes other equally great features such as white labeling, 3rd party plugin compatibility, trusted devices, and many more.

Posted inWordPress Security
Joel Farrugia
Joel Barbara

Joel is our technical writer responsible for writing the different kinds of content we need. With a background in tech and content, he has a passion for making technology accessible and understandable for everyone. You can reach Joel at joel@melapress.com.


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