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Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Learn how to set up and use two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your Digit Tally account.

What is 2FA?​

Two-Factor Authentication requires two forms of verification:

  1. Something you know - Your password
  2. Something you have - Your phone with authenticator app

Even if someone steals your password, they cannot access your account without the code from your phone.

[SCREENSHOT: 2FA concept with password + phone]

Why Enable 2FA?​

Security Benefits:

  • ✅ Prevents unauthorized access
  • ✅ Protects sensitive financial data
  • ✅ Required for high-value transactions
  • ✅ Industry best practice
  • ✅ Compliance requirement for some businesses
  • ✅ Peace of mind

Real-World Protection:

  • Phishing attacks blocked
  • Stolen passwords useless
  • Remote access prevented
  • Data breach protection

Prerequisites​

Before setting up 2FA, you need:

  1. Smartphone (Android or iOS)
  2. Authenticator App (choose one):
    • Google Authenticator (recommended)
    • Microsoft Authenticator
    • Authy
    • 1Password
    • LastPass Authenticator

Installing Authenticator App:

  • Android: Download from Google Play Store
  • iOS: Download from Apple App Store
  • Free apps available

[SCREENSHOT: Authenticator apps in app stores]

Setting Up 2FA​

Step 1: Access 2FA Settings​

  1. Click Profile Menu (top right)
  2. Select Security
  3. Find Two-Factor Authentication section
  4. Click Enable 2FA

[SCREENSHOT: Enable 2FA button in Security settings]

Step 2: Verify Password​

Enter your current password to proceed:

  1. Type your password
  2. Click Verify
  3. Ensures it's really you making this change

[SCREENSHOT: Password verification dialog]

Step 3: Scan QR Code​

QR Code Displayed:

  1. Open your authenticator app
  2. Tap Add Account or + icon
  3. Select Scan QR Code
  4. Point camera at QR code on screen
  5. Account added to authenticator app

[SCREENSHOT: QR code for 2FA setup]

Can't Scan QR Code?

  • Click Enter Code Manually
  • Copy the setup key shown
  • In authenticator app, select Enter Code Manually
  • Paste the key
  • Account added

Setup Key Example:

Account: Digit Tally (your@email.com)
Key: ABCD EFGH IJKL MNOP QRST UVWX YZ23 4567

[SCREENSHOT: Manual entry option]

Step 4: Enter Verification Code​

Verify Setup:

  1. Open authenticator app
  2. Find "Digit Tally" account
  3. See 6-digit code (changes every 30 seconds)
  4. Enter code in Digit Tally
  5. Click Verify and Enable

Code Format:

123 456 (6 digits, changes every 30 seconds)

[SCREENSHOT: Verification code entry]

Code Timing

Codes expire after 30 seconds. If a code isn't working, wait for the next code to appear.

Step 5: Save Backup Codes​

Critical Step - Don't Skip!

You'll receive 10 backup codes:

BACKUP CODES (Save These!)
1. A1B2-C3D4-E5F6
2. G7H8-I9J0-K1L2
3. M3N4-O5P6-Q7R8
4. S9T0-U1V2-W3X4
5. Y5Z6-A7B8-C9D0
6. E1F2-G3H4-I5J6
7. K7L8-M9N0-O1P2
8. Q3R4-S5T6-U7V8
9. W9X0-Y1Z2-A3B4
10. C5D6-E7F8-G9H0

Important:

  • Each code can be used only once
  • Store in a safe place (not on your phone!)
  • Use if you lose phone or authenticator app
  • Print or save to password manager

Saving Options:

  1. Download - Save as text file
  2. Print - Print physical copy
  3. Copy - Copy to password manager

[SCREENSHOT: Backup codes display]

Step 6: 2FA Enabled​

✅ Two-Factor Authentication is now active!

Confirmation Shows:

  • 2FA enabled badge
  • Date enabled
  • Recovery email (if set)
  • Number of backup codes remaining
  • Option to regenerate backup codes

[SCREENSHOT: 2FA enabled confirmation]

Using 2FA for Login​

Login Process with 2FA​

Step-by-Step:

  1. Go to https://app.digit-tally.io
  2. Enter your email address
  3. Enter your password
  4. Click Sign In
  5. 2FA Prompt Appears:
    • "Enter authentication code"
  6. Open authenticator app
  7. Find Digit Tally account
  8. Enter the 6-digit code
  9. Click Verify
  10. Access granted!

[SCREENSHOT: 2FA login prompt]

Remember Device Option:

  • Check "Trust this device for 30 days"
  • Won't ask for 2FA code on this device for 30 days
  • Only use on your personal devices
  • Never use on public/shared computers

[SCREENSHOT: Trust device checkbox]

Using Backup Codes​

When to Use Backup Codes​

Use backup codes if:

  • Lost or broke your phone
  • Deleted authenticator app by mistake
  • Phone stolen or inaccessible
  • App won't generate codes
  • Traveling without phone

How to Use Backup Code​

At Login:

  1. Reach 2FA code prompt
  2. Click Use Backup Code
  3. Enter one of your saved backup codes
  4. Code format: A1B2-C3D4-E5F6
  5. Click Verify
  6. Access granted

Important:

  • Each code works only once
  • Keep track of which codes used
  • Regenerate new codes when running low

[SCREENSHOT: Backup code entry]

Managing 2FA​

Viewing 2FA Status​

Security Settings Shows:

  • 2FA status (Enabled/Disabled)
  • Date 2FA was enabled
  • Backup codes remaining (e.g., "7 of 10 unused")
  • Trusted devices list
  • Recovery options

[SCREENSHOT: 2FA management panel]

Regenerating Backup Codes​

Create New Backup Codes:

When to Regenerate:

  • Used most of your codes
  • Codes possibly compromised
  • Lost your saved codes
  • Want fresh set for security

Process:

  1. Go to Security Settings
  2. Find 2FA section
  3. Click Regenerate Backup Codes
  4. Confirm action
  5. Old codes invalidated immediately
  6. New 10 codes displayed
  7. Save new codes securely

[SCREENSHOT: Regenerate backup codes]

Trusted Devices​

Manage Trusted Devices:

View devices that don't require 2FA code:

  • Device name and type
  • Browser
  • Location
  • Date added
  • Days remaining (of 30-day trust period)

Remove Trust:

  1. Find device in list
  2. Click Remove
  3. Next login will require 2FA code

[SCREENSHOT: Trusted devices list]

Disabling 2FA​

To Disable 2FA:

Not Recommended

Disabling 2FA reduces your account security. Only disable if absolutely necessary.

  1. Go to Security Settings
  2. Click Disable 2FA
  3. Enter password
  4. Enter current 2FA code or backup code
  5. Confirm disabling
  6. 2FA disabled

What Happens:

  • Only password required for login
  • Backup codes invalidated
  • Trusted devices cleared
  • Can re-enable anytime

[SCREENSHOT: Disable 2FA warning]

Recovering Access​

Lost Phone or Authenticator App​

Recovery Options:

Option 1: Use Backup Code

  1. At login, click Use Backup Code
  2. Enter one of your saved backup codes
  3. Access account
  4. Reset 2FA with new device

Option 2: Recovery via Email

  1. At login, click Can't Access Codes?
  2. Select Email Recovery
  3. Verification email sent to your registered email
  4. Click link in email
  5. Verify identity
  6. Temporarily bypass 2FA
  7. Set up 2FA on new device

Option 3: Contact Support If you've lost backup codes and email access:

  1. Contact support@digit-tally.io
  2. Provide identity verification
  3. Support will assist with account recovery
  4. Process may take 24-48 hours

[SCREENSHOT: Recovery options screen]

Lost Backup Codes​

If You Lost Your Backup Codes:

While You Still Have Access:

  1. Login normally (using authenticator app)
  2. Go to Security Settings
  3. Regenerate backup codes immediately
  4. Save new codes securely

If You Can't Login:

  • Use authenticator app (if you still have it)
  • Use email recovery method
  • Contact support for assistance

Best Practices​

2FA Security Tips​

  1. Save Backup Codes Securely

    • Store offline (not in cloud)
    • Print and keep in safe place
    • Don't store on phone with authenticator app
    • Use password manager for digital storage

  2. Use Trusted Authenticator Apps

    • Google Authenticator
    • Microsoft Authenticator
    • Authy (with cloud backup)
    • Avoid unknown apps

  3. Don't Share Codes

    • Never share codes with anyone
    • Digit Tally will never ask for your 2FA code
    • Beware of phishing attempts

  4. Backup Authenticator App

    • Some apps offer cloud backup (Authy)
    • Transfer codes when getting new phone
    • Set up 2FA before switching phones

  5. Trust Devices Carefully

    • Only trust personal devices
    • Never trust public/shared computers
    • Untrust devices you no longer use

  6. Regular Security Reviews

    • Check trusted devices monthly
    • Review login history
    • Regenerate backup codes periodically

Troubleshooting​

Common Issues​

Issue: Code Not Working

  • Solution: Wait for next code (codes expire after 30 seconds). Check device time is correct. Ensure you're looking at correct account in authenticator app.

Issue: "Invalid Code" Error

  • Solution: Verify your device clock is set to automatic time. Try entering code as soon as it appears. Contact support if persists.

Issue: Lost Phone with Authenticator

  • Solution: Use backup code to login. Set up 2FA on new device. Regenerate backup codes. If no backup codes, use email recovery.

Issue: Can't Scan QR Code

  • Solution: Use manual entry option. Copy setup key and enter in authenticator app manually.

Issue: Authenticator App Deleted

  • Solution: Use backup code. Reinstall app and set up 2FA again. If no backup codes, use email recovery.

What's Next?​

Enable 2FA Now

Don't wait! Enable 2FA today to protect your business data. It only takes 2 minutes to set up.

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