What is two-factor authentication?

Two-factor authentication is where there are two steps of validation required to perform certain actions. This provides an additional layer of security to the action being performed.

Signing in with a valid username and password is the first factor, and the second is associated with something - in this case your mobile phone. This means you not only have to be signed in with a valid username and password (something you know) but also respond to a notification sent to your mobile phone (something you have).

This reduces the risk that the someone performing the action isn't really you. (e.g. Someone may be able to guess your username and password and sign in as you, but it is more unlikely that they will also have your mobile phone, so will not be able to perform any destructive actions posing as the you).

Further details about Authy, and some useful help guides can be found on their website.

Next steps

Now you understand the two-factor authentication process, you can Set up and use the Authy.