What is two-factor authentication?
Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, means you need two things to log in. The first is your password. The second is a short code from your phone. A thief who steals your password still cannot get in without your phone.
The code comes from an app such as Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator or Authy. The code changes every 30 seconds or so.
Before you start
- Install an authenticator app on your phone.
- Make sure your phone clock is set automatically. A wrong clock gives wrong codes.
- Your server owner may need to allow 2FA. If you cannot see the tool, ask Hostvento support.
Steps
- Log in to WHM with your reseller details.
- Type Two-Factor Authentication in the search box.
- Open it. It is often under Security Center or Manage My Account.
- Click Set Up Two-Factor Authentication.
- Open the authenticator app on your phone.
- Choose the option to add an account and scan the QR code shown on the screen. A QR code is a square picture that a phone camera can read.
- The app now shows a six-digit code.
- Type that code in the Security Code box in WHM.
- Click Generate Two-Factor Authentication Configuration or Configure.
WHM shows a message that 2FA is on.
Log in next time
- Type your username and password as usual.
- WHM asks for a security code.
- Open the app and type the current code.
- Click Log in.
Tip: Keep a second way in. Save the secret key shown during setup, or write it on paper and store it safely. If you lose your phone, you will need it.
Turn it off
Open the same page and click Remove Two-Factor Authentication. Only do this if you really must.
Lost your phone?
Ask the server owner or Hostvento support to reset it. Open a ticket at https://secure.hostvento.com/submitticket.php.
Quick recap
- 2FA needs a password and a phone code.
- Scan the QR code in WHM with an authenticator app.
- Type the code to finish setup.
- Save your secret key in a safe place.