The Authy app for iOS & Android provides an easy way to manage all your two-factor authentication accounts.

Two-factor authentication accounts (TFAs) is simply a log-in that requires 2 of the 3 possible authentication mechanisms.

One step is a code such as a password, & the second one is a hardware device such as a dongle or phone. The 3rd would be something’s that’s a part of you & unique, such as fingerprints or your eye that can be recognized by a biometric scanning device.

Google was one of the earliest companies to offer TFA security. If you want, you can implement it with the help of your mobile phone or the Google Authenticator app. When you try to log in, Google sends you an SMS with a code, or the Authenticator app will generate one.

You will therefore only be able to log in if you get this code or token, which can be used only once & expires after you use it or if you don’t use it within a specified period.

This two-factor authentication process ensures that only the person who has the phone is able to access the account. This seems like an especially good idea now is because of the Heartbleed scare. Everyone’s feeling a bit vulnerable & in need of some additional security for their online accounts.

Plenty of services now offer TFA security, but adoption has been slow because it’s a bit of a hassle. There are valid concerns such as what happens if & when you lose the phone, or not able to receive messages on it for some reason.

This is where Authy comes into the picture, as a simple & effective way to manage all your TFA accounts. It will competently handle everything from Gmail & Google Dropbox to Facebook, Amazon, Github, Outlook, Lastpass & other TFA-enabled accounts.

WordPress publishers can use the Authy plug-in to enable two-factor authentication for their blog within minutes.

Authy enables backups to avoid you being locked out of your own accounts in case you lose your phone or upgrade it. Note that Authy needs to use your phone’s camera to scan QRCodes from Gmail, Dropbox & other sites.

The San Francisco, CA-based Authy Inc. was founded in Jan 2012 by Daniel Palacio. The Y Combinator-backed startup has received seed funding, & is also backed by SalesForce.com, Start Fund, CrunchFund, Digital Garage, Data Collective & Box Co-Founder & CEO Aaron Levie.

Click here to download the Authy app on your iOS device.

Click here to download the Authy app on your Android device.

Image Credit: Authy

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