Tip #11: How to secure your email account using Two Factor Authentication

Tip #11: How to secure your email account using Two Factor Authentication


We all have a lot of important and sensitive data stored in our emails and in the accounts. To protect your account, a password alone may not be enough. It is always better to add an additional step of security to our accounts, which is provided by Two Factor Authentication (TFA), also known as Two Step Verification. 
Two-factor authentication is an additional security process to secure your account by the combination of a password and a mobile device. This reduces the chance of your account being hacked into and protects your data with extra secure measures.
Steps to enable Two Factor Authentication (TFA): 
  1. Login to https://www.zoho.com/mail
  2. Click on your profile image, to view User Profile section.
  3. Select My Account 
  4. In your Account Profile, select Two Factor Authentication.

  5. Google Authenticator and Mobile code via SMS/ Voicecall modes are available options

  6. Choose Google Authenticator, if you prefer not to link your mobile number for this process. 
  7. Make sure you have installed the 'Authenticator' app in your iOS/ Android devices. 
  8. You will see a time based code generated in the Authenticator app, which you need to provide when you login
  9. Choose Mobile device based SMS/ Voice call to receive a secure code to your mobile and use it for authentication.
  10. If you choose mobile device based TFA, provide your mobile number to complete the TFA setup. 
Once you have enabled TFA, you will notice a set of recovery codes, which you can use, in case you do not have access to your mobile device. 

On enabling TFA, when you login, you will receive the code via SMS/ Voice call or have it generated in Authenticator. You will provide the code in addition to gain access to your account. 

When you access your account using other clients via IMAP/ POP, you need to generate and use Application specific passwords. Refer here for detailed instructions.

Start securing your account using TFA right now. Leave your feedback/ suggestions as comments below. See you next week with yet another useful tip.