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📘 Technology Explained

What is two-factor authentication?

Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, adds a second type of identity check when you sign in. It helps protect your account if somebody learns or steals your password.

For: Beginners Reading time: 6 minute read Last checked:

The short answer

Two-factor authentication makes an account much safer by asking for two different kinds of proof that you are really you.

For example, you enter your password and then enter a code from an authenticator app. A criminal who has your password would still need the second check before they could sign in.

Show me how to turn on 2FA

How does 2FA work?

A normal sign-in usually follows these three steps:

Enter your password

This is the first check. It is something you know.

Complete a different check

You might enter a code from an app, tap a security key, or use your fingerprint or face.

Your account opens

The service lets you in after both checks are accepted.

What counts as a different type of check?

The two checks should come from different groups. A password and a PIN are both things you know, so using them together is not true two-factor authentication.

Something you know A password, passphrase or PIN.
Something you have Your phone, an authenticator app, a security key or another trusted device.
Something you are Your fingerprint, face or another biometric check.

Which 2FA method should I choose?

Choose the strongest option that the account offers and that you can use comfortably.

Passkey or security key

This is usually the strongest choice. It can provide better protection from fake sign-in pages.

Authenticator app

This is a strong and practical choice for most people. The app creates a temporary code or asks you to approve the sign-in.

Text message code

This is better than using only a password, but it is not as strong as the options above. Use it when the service does not offer a stronger choice.

Which accounts should I protect first?

Start with accounts that could let somebody access your money, personal information or other accounts:

  • Your main email account. A criminal may use it to reset your other passwords.
  • Banking and payment accounts.
  • Your password manager.
  • myGov and other important government services.
  • Work, cloud-storage and business accounts.
  • Social media accounts.

After those are protected, turn on 2FA for every other account that offers it.

What if I lose or replace my phone?

Prepare before this happens:

  • Save the account's backup codes somewhere secure and separate from your phone.
  • Add a second recovery method if the service allows it.
  • When changing phones, transfer your authenticator accounts before erasing the old phone.
  • Keep your recovery phone number and email address up to date.

If you are already locked out, use only the recovery instructions on the service's official website or app.

Common questions

Is 2FA the same as MFA?

They are closely related. Two-factor authentication uses two different types of checks. Multi-factor authentication, or MFA, means two or more different types of checks.

Does 2FA make an account completely safe?

No security method is perfect, but 2FA makes an account much harder to break into. You still need to use the genuine website or app and keep sign-in codes private.

Is a text message code worth using?

Yes. It is safer than using only a password. If the service also offers an authenticator app, passkey or security key, choose one of those stronger options when you can.

Do I need an authenticator app?

Not always. Each service chooses which methods it supports. Follow the service's official setup instructions and select the strongest option that works for you.

Ready to protect an account?

Start with your main email account, then protect banking, myGov and any account containing important personal information.

Turn on 2FA safely Improve your passwords

Official Australian information

Related guides

How to turn on two-factor authentication safelyA simple explanation and setup checklist for adding a second sign-in check.How to make accounts safer with better passwordsPractical password steps for email, banking and other important accounts.What to do after a scammer had remote accessImmediate steps after someone viewed or controlled your computer through remote-access software.

Still stuck?

Social Blade IT Services can help you secure an account or move two-factor authentication to a new phone.

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