How to prevent lost of 2FA key - page 2.

RickDeckard

legendary

Activity: 1148

Merit: 3117

Quote from: o_e_l_e_o on April 01, 2021, 02:06:55 PM

Further, you should switch away from Google Authenticator and instead use an open source authenticator app which allows you to export an encrypted database of all your 2FA codes so you never run the risk of losing access to your accounts. Aegis is a good choice, as mentioned above.

I totally agree with this. For many years I've used Google Authenticator, but I'm trying to move away from them as they are too much invasive (I can't seem to leave Gmail and other tools, so I'm trying to leave the ones I can).

I would recommend either Aegis or andOTP. They are basically the same, open source and all, but I do agree that Aegis ends ups having a better looking UI. andOTP is more "basic" but features a lot more of customization, so I guess it's more geared towards the advanced users.

The benefit of both of these apps is that you can keep encrypted backups of your keys. So even if you loose your phone, provided you have those backups, you can simply import them into a new installation of andOTP or Aegis and the programs will automatically implement your keys without the need to have them in a random piece of file/paper.

o_e_l_e_o

legendary

Activity: 2268

Merit: 18711

Most sites, when you first set up 2FA, show you both a QR code to scan and a long string of alphanumeric characters. These both represent the same thing - the shared secret which you use to generate your 2FA codes and the site in question uses to verify the codes you enter are correct. You should always write down your shared secret on paper and back it up securely, just like you would do with a seed phrase.

Further, you should switch away from Google Authenticator and instead use an open source authenticator app which allows you to export an encrypted database of all your 2FA codes so you never run the risk of losing access to your accounts. Aegis is a good choice, as mentioned above.

Zilon

sr. member

Activity: 966

Merit: 421

Bitcoindata.science

I think writing down your private key and keeping it safe should be one of the measures you should take so as to secure your funds in case you misplace your phone. Although most wallets has kyc verification which could be used to recover your wallet. But in cases of it's unavailability your private key would be your saving factor

mk4

legendary

Activity: 2870

Merit: 3873

Paldo.io 🤖

Not sure how good/bad Google Authenticator is now, but if you're interested in trying something different, you might want to try Aegis Authenticator instead.

Topic: Aegis Authenticator, a decent alternative to Google Authenticator and Authy https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/aegis-authenticator-a-decent-alternative-to-google-authenticator-and-authy-5192978

sujonali1819

legendary

Activity: 2436

Merit: 1189

Need Campaign Manager?PM on telegram @sujonali1819

what hosseinimr93 has said is right and you should follow it. To be honest only writing on a paper manually or printing the qr code to a physical paper and keep it in safe place on your home or somewhere you feel secure. If you keep it online then it help to user everywhere, but it could be lost any time if you were a victim of hack. also if you keep the code or photo in your phone memory then key could be lost if you lost your phone.

hosseinimr93

legendary

Activity: 2380

Merit: 5213

You can back up the google authenticator.

To do so,
   1. Tap on menu button (the 3-dots button) at top of the screen.
   2. Select "transfer accounts".
   3. Select "Export accounts".
   4. Check the accounts you wish to back up and tap on "Next".

After steps above, you will see two QR codes. Keep them in a safe place.
Since your phone won't allow you to get screenshot, you need to take a photo from the screen using another phone.
(It's more safe to use an air-gapped phone for taking the photo and print QR codes.)

Lapinoudead

jr. member

Activity: 30

Merit: 7

Okay, I think I've lost my setup key but I still have my phone and access to my codes.

Is-it possible to get back this key, or I must export to a new account ?

jackg

copper member

Activity: 2856

Merit: 3071

https://bit.ly/387FXHi lightning theory

You should write down the key if the website advises it.

Some might have alternative recovery methods (for example if you've used kyc with them) but if you haven't you should write down the original secret key they give you (all apps should allow you to export it if they're up to date).

Lapinoudead

jr. member

Activity: 30

Merit: 7

Hi,

I'm using Google Authenticator to secure my different crypto accounts. It's on my phone.

I'm thinking about the time I will lose my phone.

What is the things I can do to prevent the lost of my access ? Can I save a key/Qrcode and use it to get back my account ?

Thanks,

Topic: How to prevent lost of 2FA key - page 2. (Read 362 times)