Two-factor authentication, also known as 2FA, enhances the security of your email by adding a verification step during login.
Once this feature is enabled, entering your email address and password is no longer sufficient to access your email. A verification code generated by an authentication app on your phone will also be requested.
This protection helps limit the risk of access to your email in case of password compromise or disclosure.
Understanding the risks of a compromised password highlights the importance of 2FA on Email via Webmail. Even if your password is found through data breaches or phishing, the additional verification step acts as a strong barrier against unauthorized access. This extra security layer thus provides peace of mind, knowing your sensitive emails and attachments are better protected.
Important: after enabling 2FA, your authentication app will be required to generate the security code requested during login.
1. Log in to Webmail
Access the Webmail interface, then log in with your email address and password.
Once logged in, scroll down to find the "Two-Factor Authentication" option
While it may seem like an additional step, enabling 2FA on Email via Webmail significantly increases account security without complicating the login process. By requiring a temporary code from an independent device, 2FA reduces the chances that an attacker can access your account with just a password. It ensures that both something you know and something you have are required to access your email.
2. Enable two-factor authentication
Click on "Set up two-factor authentication"
A QR code should then be displayed on the screen. This QR code associates your email with your authentication app.
When configuring the authentication app using a QR code, the process syncs your device directly with your email account, establishing a secure connection that’s hard to bypass. This step ensures a unique link between your phone and email, which is a crucial factor in maintaining the integrity of 2FA on Email via Webmail.
You can also set it up using the account and key shown on the screen
3. Set up the authentication app
Open the authentication app on your smartphone.
Add a new account, then choose the option to scan a QR code. Then scan the QR code displayed in Webmail.
Once the account is added, the app will automatically generate a temporary security code.
Tip: keep the recovery information provided during setup in a safe place. It might be needed to regain account access if you lose access to your phone.
4. Confirm activation
Enter in Webmail the code currently displayed by your authentication app, then validate the activation.
If the code is correct, two-factor authentication is enabled on your email.
5. Test the login
To ensure the setup works correctly, log out from Webmail, then log back in.
After entering your email address and password, an additional verification code will be requested.
Successfully entering the verification code not only confirms the functionality of 2FA on Email via Webmail but also reassures you that your account's security is actively working. It indicates that the setup process has been properly followed and the protective measure is now in place.
Open your authentication app and enter the displayed code.
If the code is accepted, you can access your email normally.
Remember
Activating 2FA adds an extra layer of protection to your email. Once activated, you will need your authentication app to make a new connection requiring verification.
It's crucial to have a contingency plan such as recovery codes or alternate methods when using 2FA on Email via Webmail. These backups provide a way to regain access in cases where your phone is unavailable, ensuring you are not locked out of your own account unexpectedly.
We recommend not removing the account associated with your email from your authentication app until you've set up another recovery method.
In case of phone loss or change
If you change phones or lose access to your authenticator app, use the recovery methods available on your account.
If no recovery method is available, contact your email provider or administrator to check reset options for two-factor authentication.
Enabling 2FA is a key step to further secure your email account.