Two-Factor Authentication: The Easiest Way to Protect Your Business Accounts

Passwords get stolen all the time, usually through data breaches at other companies or fake login pages. Two-factor authentication (2FA) means a stolen password alone isn’t enough to get into your account.

It takes a few minutes to set up and stops most account takeovers.

How it works

When you log in, you enter your password plus a second proof that it’s really you. That second step is usually:

• A code from an app on your phone
• A tap on a notification on your phone
• Your fingerprint or face (this is called a passkey)
• A code sent by text message

A hacker in another country might have your password, but they don’t have your phone.

Which method is best?

From strongest to weakest:

1. Passkeys. Log in with your fingerprint, face or phone. No password to steal. Google, Microsoft, Apple and many banks support them now.
2. Authenticator apps. Free apps like Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator or the one built into your password manager.
3. Text message codes. Much better than nothing, but scammers can sometimes hijack a phone number. Use it if it’s the only option.

Turn it on here first

Start with the accounts that unlock everything else:

• Email. Whoever controls your email can reset almost every other password you have. Do this one today.
• Banking and payment accounts. Including PayPal, Square and Stripe.
• Your website and domain. Your WordPress login, your web host and your domain registrar.
• Social media. Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and your Google Business Profile.
• Your password manager, if you use one.

Don’t lock yourself out

The one downside of 2FA is getting locked out if you lose your phone. Avoid that:

• Save your backup codes. Most services give you a set when you turn on 2FA. Print them and keep them somewhere safe.
• Add a second method. A second phone, a passkey on your computer or a backup email.
• Plan for staff changes. Shared business accounts shouldn’t depend on one employee’s personal phone.

The short version

Want help?

If you’d like help turning on 2FA for your WordPress site or business accounts, get in touch.

Information was checked in November 2026.