Hosted service users, our latest release features two-factor authentication, which you can now enable in your ISL Online account and double protect it.

ISL Online allows two-factor authentication.

If you want to do it right away, please follow these steps:

1. Log in to ISL Online account (https://www.islonline.com/login).
2. Choose “Security” tab.
3. Set up the 2-Step Verification method.

You have 4 options of 2-step verification method.

You have 4 options of a second step verification method and you can choose whichever suits you best:

• Authenticator app
• Phone
• Email
• Security key

From here the procedure is the same as for Server users.  I explained how to set up two-factor authentication in an earlier post after we released 2FA for Server License users in May 2017.

What is two-factor authentication?

Two-factor authentication, or 2FA as it’s commonly abbreviated, is an additional layer of security designed to prevent unauthorised access to your account. When you have to enter only your username and one password, that’s considered a single-factor authentication. The second factor makes your account more secure. There are three generally recognized factors for authentication: something you know (such as a password), something you have (such as a hardware token or cell phone), and something you are (such as your fingerprint). Two-factor means the system is using two of these options, in ISL Online’s case the first two factors.

Why is two-factor authentication important?

To put it simple, two locks are better than one. Turning on two-factor authentication is like getting yourself another lock. It’s no magic wand, it can’t guarantee 100% security, nothing does, but it definitely reduces chances of unauthorised access to your account.

So, even if someone manages to get your password, if they aren’t also in possession of your cell phone or whatever else is required to complete the second step, they can’t log into your account.