Here are our best picks for two-factor authenticators on iOS 16 devices.
Recent hacks and leaks raising controversial headlines have demonstrated that passwords alone are insufficient to secure your social media accounts, online bank accounts, or even websites where you do your online shopping.
Even if you use different usernames and passwords across all of your accounts, the possibility of hacking, social engineering, or phishing techniques could still lead to a security breach.
In that case, Apple users, whose devices are known for the system's convenient syncing of accounts, should be extra cautious. Using a Two-factor authentication app, which is usually referred to as MFA or 2FA, is an additional layer of security that you should consider for your accounts.
With so many two-factor authenticators now available, here are some of our best choices to ensure the security of your accounts available on Apple iOS 16.
2FA Authenticator App (2FAS)
According to Apple Insider, 2FAS is the most popular free 2FA app today. The app utilizes QR codes to activate 2FA on your web hosting control panel. When using the app on your mobile device, 2FAS detects the QR code and generates a special six-digit OTC for each service every 30 seconds.
2FAS is simple to set up and utilize, and you can add new services or websites. It offers a basic scrolling list of timed secrets. For instance, many web hosting companies now enable 2FAS, which requires only a single set-up step for login authentication.
Additionally, its major advantage on Apple devices is its ability to have cloud backups of your registered accounts, either in iCloud for Apple devices or Google Drive for Android devices.
Microsoft Authenticator
If flexibility between devices alongside security is your priority, then perhaps Microsoft's app could be the best 2FA for you. Microsoft Authenticator adds an additional degree of protection by requiring a PIN or biometric authentication to unlock your phone to view the codes.
Its major advantage for Apple users would be that Microsoft Authenticator offers an Apple Watch version of their 2FA apps. According to PCMag, you can create secure passwords and quickly sign in to Microsoft accounts. The app also enables device registration for businesses like schools.
If you use this app, you need to activate the feature for account recovery. By doing this, you can recover by logging into your Microsoft account and adding more verifications when you acquire a new phone.
TOTP Authenticator
The TOTP-based Authenticator gives the hackers less time to access your TOTP even if they know your traditional password, giving them less chance to compromise your accounts, according to MakeUseOf.
The time input from your device and your secret seed or key are both required by the TOTP algorithm, which creates the passcode. Since the TOTP can be generated and verified without an internet connection, offline authentication apps are possible. Users who want to access their accounts and require authentication when flying or traveling to remote locations without network connectivity can use TOTP.
Unlike Microsoft or Google authenticators, 2FA apps like TOTP Authenticator allow encryption when backing up and syncing data.
Authy
One of the key benefits of Authy is its encrypted cloud backup feature for iOS 16 users. Additionally, the Authenticator is available as an app on the Apple Watch.
The app is similar to other authenticators. However, its difference is that you can input a secret password or passphrase that Authy will employ to encrypt the login information for your cloud-based accounts.
