Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an extra layer of security that is also known as multi-factor authentication.
In addition to the username and password, a user also has to provide a piece of information, only accessible to them - often called a security token. This makes it harder for unauthorized people to use your account or access your personal data.
There are two available methods for two-factor authentication:
- Google authenticator app
- SMS / Text message
Set up 2FA using Google Authenticator
Looking for a resource to share with your employees? Send them the step-by-step guide to setting up 2FA for employees!
1. In the top navigation bar, go to Settings > Account Settings.
2. Navigate to the Security tab.
3. Click Enable Two-factor authentication.
4. Review the information about two-factor authentication, click Continue, and enter your password.
6. Next, download the Google Authenticator app on your smartphone. Get more help with Google Authenticator here.
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- From your iPhone, open the App Store.
- Search for the Google Authenticator app and install.
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- From your Android, open the Google Play Store.
- Search for the Google Authenticator app and install.
7. Click Continue with iOS or Continue with Android.
- If you have an Apple iPhone, select Continue with iOS.
- If you have an Android, select Continue with Android.
8. In the Google Authenticator app, tap the + button and scan the barcode from within Wagepoint.
9. Once Wagepoint has been added to your authenticator app, enter the 6-digit verification code and click Continue.
9. Save your single use recovery keys, then click Continue.
- Several recovery keys will be generated that are specific to your account. Each key is single use.
- These keys will allow you to access your account in the event that your two-step authentication method fails.
- Use the Printer icon to print your recovery keys.
10. Your 2FA setup is complete! From now on, you'll need to enter a verification code from the Google Authenticator app when you log into Wagepoint. Click Done.
Set up 2FA using SMS / text message
Two-factor authentication using SMS requires a Canadian or US phone number.
1. In the top navigation bar, go to Settings > Account Settings.
2. Navigate to the Security tab.
3. Click Enable Two-factor authentication.
4. Enter your password, then click Continue.
5. Under Choose how you'd like to receive your 2FA code, select SMS (Text message) - Canada and US only, then click Continue.
6. Enter your phone number, then click Continue.
7. A 6-digit verification code will be sent to your phone. Enter the code, and click Continue.
- The code is valid for 1 minute. After 1 minute, click Resend Code.
- If you'd like this device to be remembered for 30 days, select the checkbox.
Your 2FA is successfully updated!
Note: In order for the verification process to work, the "Date & Time" settings on your smartphone and computer must match, displaying the same time. If your phone and computer are displaying different times, navigate to Settings > System > Date & Time on your devices and select the option that allows you to "use the date and time provided by your network" or use "automatic" date and time settings.
FAQs: Two-factor authentication
- When it comes to payroll, security is paramount. 2FA, or Two-Factor Authentication, is a layer of protection beyond simple passwords. Just like a padlock on your briefcase, it adds another step to secure access.
At its core, 2FA combines two elements: something you know (like a password) and something you have (such as a phone). With both of these combined, the likelihood that someone could access your account is lowered significantly. - Yes, you can choose to authenticate via SMS or the Authenticator app.
- While we don’t have a fixed implementation date just yet, we strongly encourage you to enable 2FA as soon as possible to ensure uninterrupted access when the change takes effect.
- Select the SMS option for 2FA if you’d like to use the “Remember this device for 30 days” option and minimize prompts to re-authenticate 2FA for your account.
- When you set up your 2FA, you are provided with several single-use recovery codes. On the authentication page, click "I need help with an authentication code." Then, enter your 16-digit recovery code.
If this method does not work or you cannot access your recovery code, email support@wagepoint.com. - Don’t worry, a Wagepoint account admin can reset the 2FA method to get administrators back into their account. You can create a support ticket and one of our friendly support agents will get in touch.
- The Google Authenticator app is the best choice if you do not have a Canadian or US-based number, or if you travel frequently.