Two Factor Authentication
Published January 14, 2025
In this article, let's cover a very important security measure that every person and organization should be using for every login to prevent account compromise. This simple step can drastically reduce the odds of any of your accounts from being compromised.
What is Two Factor Authentication?
Two Factor Authentication, or 2FA, is a second method for verifying that you are the one authorized to login to an account. In non technical terms, think of it as the deadbolt to the front door of your house. It's a second form of security for any and all of your logins.
Once Two Factor Authentication is enabled for any website login, you will first enter your username and password as usual and then you will be asked to submit your second form of authentication. In our example, that will be a specialized token found from the Authenticator app on your mobile device (keep reading to learn how to download and set that up). Other websites have additional methods of Two Factor Authentication, listed below on this page.
What forms of Two Factor Authentication exist?
There are a few different forms of 2FA available. This article is going to cover token based authentication, as it is the most widely used and available method, though we are listing a few other options below.
- Token
- SMS
- Yubikey
- Passkey
Available Token Based Two Factor Authentication Apps
There are several different Two Factor Authentication apps available for free in the Google Play and Apple App Store.
A partial list include the following Apps:
2FAS
Microsoft Authenticator
Google Authenticator
DUO Mobile Authenticator
Aegis Authenticator (Android Only)
Before you can configure Two Factor Authentication for any website you will need to download an Authentication App which is free from several different companies. Our favorite authenticator app is 2FAS which is free and available for Android and iOS along with a browser extension for all popular web browsers to make it even easier to input the code to login.
How to Enable Two Factor Authentication for your Evolve Web Hosting Account
Two Factor Authentication is available for your Evolve Web Hosting account and we highly recommend enabling it. So much sensitive data is stored within your account including payment information as well as access to your domain name(s), hosting account(s) and more.
To get started, you'll need to have your mobile phone available along with your laptop or desktop computer.
- Choose a Two Factor Authentication App to download to your mobile device from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store if you don't already have one downloaded.
- On your laptop or desktop, navigate to https://core.evolvewebhosting.com/login and login as you normally would.
- Once you are logged in, locate the section of the menu that says Hello, ( your name! ) > Security Settings
- Click on Enable and open the Authentication App on your smartphone
- Using your Authenticator App, add a new account and use your phone’s camera to scan the QR Code on your computer screen
For more details about enabling and disabling 2FA for your Evolve Web Hosting Account, read more from our 2FA Help Center Article.
IMPORTANT: Make sure you safely store the recovery keys provided to you upon activation of Two Factor Authentication (2FA). Many do not think about this until it is too late. When you go and trade in your cell phone, the Two Factor Authenticaion connection is often lost. The recovery keys provide you with the ability to regain access to your account and then recreate a new connection.
How to Enable Two Factor Authentication for your cPanel Login
Two Factor Authentication is available for additional security for your cPanel account. This simple step of adding another layer of security will prevent many headaches and potential disruptions to business in the future.
To get started, login to your cPanel account.
Once you are logged in, either use the search bar and type in two factor authentication and select the link or scroll down to Security -> Two-Factor Authentication.
1. Click Set Up Two-Factor Authentication
2. Link your cPanel account and your 2FA app:
- To automatically create the link, scan the displayed QR code with your app
- To manually create the link, enter the provided Account and Key information in your app
3. Within your 2FA app, retrieve the six-digit security code
4. Enter the six-digit security code in the Security Code text box
5. Click Configure Two-Factor Authentication
IMPORTANT: Make sure you safely store the recovery keys provided to you upon activation of Two Factor Authentication (2FA). Many do not think about this until it is too late. When you go and trade in your cell phone, the Two Factor Authenticaion connection is often lost. The recovery keys provide you with the ability to regain access to your account and then recreate a new connection.
How to Enable Two Factor Authentication for your DirectAdmin Login
Two Factor Authentication is available for additional security for your DirectAdmin account. This simple step of adding another layer of security will prevent many headaches and potential disruptions to business in the future.
To enable two-factor authentication, log in as the User and go to: Dashboard -> Advanced Features -> Two-Step Authentication
Once you have a "Secret" created, scan the barcode into your Authenticator App in your smart phone. Enable the feature, and future logins will require the temporary code generated from the App, entered on a 2nd page after a successful user/password login.
You can also optionally create one-time use "Scratch Codes", which can be printed and kept somewhere safe.
These scratch codes are used as a backup, in case your phone is not available to generate the code. A scratch code is only valid for one use, then is removed from the list of codes. The scratch code can be entered into the same "Code" field when logging into DA.
IMPORTANT: Make sure you safely store the recovery keys provided to you upon activation of Two Factor Authentication (2FA). Many do not think about this until it is too late. When you go and trade in your cell phone, the Two Factor Authenticaion connection is often lost. The recovery keys provide you with the ability to regain access to your account and then recreate a new connection.
Doing your part to stay secure online
By spending a few moments to secure your accounts by implementing 2FA, you're doing a lot of good for yourself and the Internet as a whole. Enabling 2FA is one of the fastest and easiest steps you can take to strengthen your online security.