Improving security using two-factor authentication (2FA)

Improving security using two-factor authentication (2FA)=

MNX has added additional security features to the portal to assist customers who must comply with stringent security requirements, such as those mandated by PCI-DSS.

What is two-factor authentication?

Typically when we log into computer systems, whether it an email account or the MNX portal, we supply a username which identifies us and a password which authenticates us. This is "single-factor authentication" using a password, a series of characters that (hopefully) only we know.

Two-factor authentication (i.e. "2FA") seeks to improve security by adding a second type ("factor") of authentication. The first factor is still a traditional password. The most common second factor is a one-time password (OTP) generated by a physical device or by software on a smartphone.

The advantage of using a second factor of authentication is that if your password being compromised, that alone isn't sufficient information to gain access to your account.

How do I enable two-factor authentication?

Login to the MNX Portal. Select your username from the top right corner and choose Two Factor. A popup will appear indicating if you have or have no turned on Two Factor Authentication. If it is disabled, Enable it.

From this page, follow the guided steps to complete the setup of two factor authentication.

At MNX, we recommends using either Google Authenticator application, Duo Mobile application, or Authy.

Once your preferred authenticator app is installed on your device, add a new account and scan the QR code into the app. Following this, the application should be registered..

How do I disable two-factor authentication?

If you decide to revert to single-factor authentication, just go back to the menu under your account name and select Two Factor. From this page, there is an option to disable two factor authentication.

How can I use two-factor authentication to protect my instances?

The MNX portal two-factor authentication only protects your MNX portal account, not your instances themselves.

If you wish to use two-factor authentication to protect your instances, we recommend looking at Duo Security.