Two-factor authentication is included within all Clinked subscription packages, with each account given the opportunity to provide their portal with an additional level of security. Enabling two-factor authentication increases the security of your account by triggering a two-step process prior to logging into the platform.
This article explains;
- How to enable two-factor authentication on account level
- How to enable two-factor authentication on personal settings
- How to use different authentication methods
- Back-up codes
How to enable two-factor authentication on account level
Account administrators (superadmins) can force the two-factor authentication for all members in their portal. When two-factor authentication is enabled, it will be mandatory for all members of the portal in order to login, adding an extra layer of security.
When two-factor authentication is enforced in your account, members can alter their settings for preferred method of authentication in their profile settings or they will be asked choose a setting next time they login to the portal.
To enable two-factor authentication in your account, please follow the steps below;
- Navigate to the account settings
- Select “Security & Authentication” from the account settings menu
- Scroll down to locate two-factor authentication settings and toggle the switch on to enforce
How to enable two-factor authentication on personal settings
If two-factor authentication is optional for the portal (i.e. not enforced for all members), individual members can choose to activate it for themselves.
To enable two-factor authentication for your profile, please follow the steps below;
- Click your profile area (name and profile picture at the top right corner)
- Select “Edit profile” to navigate to your personal settings
- Select “Password & Security” from the personal settings menu
- Scroll down to locate two-factor authentication settings and toggle the switch on
More information regarding different methods of authentication or how to change authentication settings is given in the next section.
How to use different authentication methods
When two-factor authentication is enforced in the account, members can decide on an authentication method next time they login if it is not previously set.
If an authentication method was already in use for a profile, members can change their settings by disabling and enabling it again and they will be asked to choose a new authentication method. This task is performed in their personal settings as explained in the previous section.
In this section, different methods of two-factor authentication are explained.
Authentication via an authenticator app
In order to use two-factor authentication via an authenticator app, please follow the instructions below.
- Select “App” from the available options
- Download an authenticator app of your choice
- Scan the QR code shown in your Clinked account using the authenticator app
- Enter the verification code
- Enable
An authenticator app will be the authentication method for your future logins when you complete these steps.
Authentication via SMS
If you wish to receive the verification code via SMS, please follow the instructions below.
- Select “SMS” from the available options
- Choose your country code
- Enter your phone number
- Click the “Send code to device” button
- When you receive it via an SMS enter the verification code
- Enable
When you complete these steps, your future logins will be verified via the code sent in an SMS.
Authentication via email
If you wish to receive the verification code in an email, please follow the instructions below.
- Select “E-MAIL” from the available options
- Inspect the email address shown on the screen to make sure it’s correct
- Click the “Send” button
- When you receive it in an email, enter the verification code
- Enable
When you complete these steps, your future logins will be verified via the code sent in an email to your registered email address on the portal.
Back-up Codes
After successfully logging in with any method of 2FA, you will be given a list of personalised back-up codes. These can be used to get into your account if you are unable to access your authentication device. We would suggest either printing these off or copying and pasting them into a document that you then save onto your desktop.