Complete Guide to Setting Up Two-Factor Authentication (OTP)

Two-factor authentication (also known as 2FA or two-step verification) is an additional layer of security that helps protect your account from unauthorized access. It requires, in addition to your regular password, a one-time password (OTP) generated by an app or sent via email. This way, even if someone knows your password, they cannot access your account without this second verification factor.

Below, you will find the steps to enable, use, and disable two-factor authentication.

1. What is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)?

Two-factor authentication is a security mechanism that requires:

• Something you know: your username and password.
• Something you have: a code generated in your authentication app or sent to your email.

This way, even if someone obtains your password, they would still need the second factor to access your account, adding an extra layer of protection.

2. How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication

1 Access Your Profile

Log in to your account and go to the My Profile section.

2 Select “Two-Factor Verification”

Within the options menu, find and click on Two-Factor Verification.

3 Enable Verification

• Click the Enable button.
• A QR code will appear, which you need to scan with your authentication app (e.g., Google Authenticator, Authy, or 1Password).

4 Set Up Your Authentication App

• Open your authentication app.
• Select the option to add or scan a new code.
• Scan the QR code displayed on the screen (or enter the manual key if provided).

5 Enter the Verification Code

• The authentication app will generate a 6-digit numeric code (or similar).
• Enter that code in the corresponding field to complete the activation of two-factor verification.

6 Confirm Activation

• Once the code is correctly entered, two-factor verification will be activated.
• From now on, each time you log in, you will be asked for this second factor.

3. Logging In with Two-Factor Authentication

• Enter your username and password.
• Enter the code from your authentication app (or the one sent via email, if you're using that option).
• Access your account with greater security.

4. What to Do If You Lose Your Authentication Device

• On the login screen where the code is requested, select the option “Verify by Email”.
• You will receive an email with a one-time code.
• Enter that code to access your account.

This way, you have an alternative way to verify your identity without your usual authentication device.

5. How to Disable Two-Factor Authentication

If you need to disable two-factor verification, follow these steps:

1 Access your profile and go to the Two-Factor Verification section (or within the control panel).

2 Select Disable Two-Factor Verification.

3 You will be asked to enter a code from your authentication app (or a code sent via email if you don’t have the app) to confirm that you are the account owner.

4 Once the code is entered, two-factor verification will be disabled.

6. Recommendations and Best Practices

• Save your recovery codes (if the system provides them). Some platforms offer backup codes that you can use if you lose your device or cannot access your email.
• Keep your contact information up to date, especially your email, to ensure you can receive the alternative code in case of emergencies.
• Do not share your codes with third parties. The codes from your authentication app and backup codes are confidential.
• Enable two-factor authentication on other accounts you use (email, social networks, etc.) to increase security across all your platforms.

7. Conclusion

Two-factor verification is one of the most effective ways to protect your online accounts. It is simple to set up and provides significant security for your information. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can enable and use two-factor authentication, as well as disable it if necessary. If you have any questions or issues, do not hesitate to contact technical support or consult additional resources on your help platform.