Two-factor authentication (2FA) is essential for securing your accounts these days.
It isnt enough to have a password anymore.
2FA fills in the security gapsbut not all 2FA is created equal.
For most people, authenticator apps offer the best mix of convenience and security.
But which one is best for you?
While any 2FA is better than no 2FA,using an authenticator app is more secure than SMS-based authentication.
With a dedicated app, however, the codes remain in your possession alone.
Should you use the 2FA features of a password manager?
Some password managers have authenticators built-in.
Plus, it can be helpful to have a separation of church and state, so to speak.
WithiOS 15andmacOS Monterey, Apple added 2FA to iCloud Keychain, the companys password manager.
Codes are encrypted by your iCloud password, and the service supports autofill across Apple devices.
Its free, open-source, and not tied to a proprietary system, like Google.
That means, in part, youre free to take your tokens and import them to another machine.
Best of all, when you set up a password for Aegis, your codes are all encrypted.
While it doesnt support native-unit sharing, you might backup your codes and transfer them at your leisure.
Aegis built its brand on its simplicity.
It isnt flashy, and it isnt feature-filled.
It stores your tokens, encrypts them, and lets you transfer them to another equipment if need be.
Thats all you need from an authenticator app, and thats why people on Android love Aegis.
Like Aegis, Raivo encrypts all codes saved to the app, protecting your accounts from prying eyes.
Raivo syncs your codes across all of your Apple devices.
It even comes with fun features, such as a dark mode and custom icons for each account.
Authentication doesnt have to besoserious, after all.
Google Authenticator
Google Authenticatoris, like most Google products, the default authenticator option on Android.
However, thats a good thing as far as security is concerned.
As long as your smartphone is locked, your codes are safe.
That makes it a popular option for organizations when setting up 2FA among its members.
Microsoft also offers account recovery by backing up the app to the cloud.
