Two-factor authentication (2FA) has become crucial to protect your accounts. Just having a password is not enough as hackers can easily access your account through password leaks and reused passwords.
2FA fills in these security gaps, but not all 2FA options are the same. Authenticator apps offer the best mix of convenience and security for most people.
Although any 2FA is better than none, using an authenticator app is safer than SMS-based authentication.
When you try to log into your account, you’ll need to provide a code to prove your identity. SMS-based authentication sends the code via text message, which can be hijacked through SIM swapping or text message forwarding.
On the other hand, an authenticator app locks the code within and changes it every 30 seconds.
Some password managers have authenticators built-in, but using a separate app is more secure. Apple’s built-in authenticator tool is an excellent option for Apple users. With iOS 16.3 and macOS.
For Android users, Aegis is the best authenticator app available. It’s free, open-source, and not tied to a proprietary system. It encrypts all codes saved in the app, protecting your accounts from prying eyes.
Google Authenticator is another excellent option available for both Android and iOS users. The app does not offer cloud backups, but that makes it more secure as your codes are stored on one device only.
Using an authenticator app is crucial to secure your accounts, and there are several excellent options available for both Android and iOS users.