How to Add Two Factor Authentication in WordPress (Free Method)

How to Add Two Factor Authentication in WordPress (Free Method)

Two-Factor Authentication in WordPress will Protect your WordPress website in the ever-changing digital landscape. One powerful way to improve security is to use two-factor authentication (2FA). This approach adds an extra layer of security, preventing unauthorized access even if the access credentials have been compromised.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of adding free two-factor authentication to your WordPress website, ensuring your online presence is secure.

Step 1:  Select the two-factor authentication plugin.

To get started, you need to choose the right plugin that offers two-factor authentication. One popular and reliable option is the “Two Factor Authentication” plugin, which is available for free in the WordPress plugin store.

Follow these steps to install.

Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
Navigate to “Plugins” and select “Add New.”
Search for “Two Factor Authentication.”
Locate the plugin, click “Install Now,” and then activate it.

Step 2: Configure Plugin Settings

Once the plugin is activated, it’s time to configure its settings to enable your users to perform two-factor authentication:

Go to “Users” and then “Two Factor Auth” to go to the plugin’s settings.
Decide if the user role will require two-factor authentication. Typical choices include staff, editors, and secretaries.
Select your preferred delivery method, such as email, one-time password (TOTP), or both.

Step 3: To enable email-based two-factor authentication

With plugin settings configured, let’s see how to enable email-based two-factor authentication:

Check the “Email” option under selected user roles.
Users will then be asked to enter a one-time access code to their registered email address when logging in.

Step 4: Enabling time based one time password (TOTP) authentication

For more robust and versatile security, you can enable TOTP authentication:

Check the “TOTP” option under selected user roles.
Advise users to install a TOTP mobile app such as Google Authenticator or Authy on their smartphone.
Users must scan the QR code generated by the plugin with their TOTP app.
After the scan, the app will generate time-based codes that users must enter along with their password to log in.

Step 5: Testing the Two-Factor Authentication Setup

It is important to verify that the 2FA process works flawlessly before rolling out site-wide:

Sign out of your WordPress account.
Log back in using normal credentials.
You will be prompted to enter two validators depending on the option you selected.

Conclusion: A secure WordPress experience with free two-factor authentication

In a world of constant digital threats, strengthening the security of your WordPress website is essential. Two-factor authentication provides effective protection against unauthorized access, and with the “two-factor authentication” plugin, implementing this security policy is easy and free If you follow the steps outlined in this guide after installation, you can provide additional protection for your users. It can empower you through layers, ensuring the integrity of your WordPress site.

 

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