An authenticator app generates special login codes that allow you to verify your identity online. Wondering why you need these codes if you have passwords? We'll explain that and more below.
How will Google Authenticator work in 2024?
An authenticator app is a desktop or mobile application that secures accounts, apps, financial transactions, and more with six- to eight-digit, time-based, one-time passwords (TOTPs). Each code can only be used once. It expires after a set amount of time, usually 30 seconds, after which a new code appears.
In most cases, people use an authenticator app for multifactor authentication. Here, the app provides an optional second layer of protection for digital accounts. With such an app, logging in is only possible if you use your username/password or fingerprint and the verification code.
An account protected by a password is only safe as long as the password is not compromised, which is not guaranteed, especially given the prevalence of cyber threats. Therefore, we recommend using a combination of the following identity verification methods:
