WordPress Two Factor Authentication

The best way to enable two factor authentication on your WordPress website is with the iThemes Security Pro plugin. Once activated, users enter a password and a time-sensitive code sent to a secondary device login to your WordPress site.

wordpress two factor authentication

What is WordPress Two Factor Authentication?

Two factor authentication adds an important extra layer of protection to your WordPress website. It secures your sites login by requiring a password and a secondary time-sensitive code to login.

How WordPress Two Factor Authentication Works

Users must first setup two factor authentication with their user account on your website. This process associated their secondary device (like a smartphone) with their user account.

After two factor authentication is enabled, users will see a secondary prompt every time they login. This prompt asks them to enter a time-sensitive authentication code sent to their secondary device.

wordpress two factor authentication

To access this code, they must use the device paired with their user profile during the WordPress two factor authentication setup process with a two-factor authentication app like Google Authenticator.

google authenticator wordpress

Works With Any Two Factor Authentication App That Supports TOTP

The iThemes Security plugin uses a standard called TOTP (time-based one-time password provider). Any two factor authentication app that supports TOTP can work with the iThemes Security plugin.

authy-wordpress google authenticatortoopher-wordpress freeOTP-wordpress

How to Enable Two Factor Authentication for Your WordPress Site

Before you begin, you’ll need to complete these two steps:

  1. Download and install the iThemes Security Pro plugin.
  2. Install a two factor authentication app such as Google Authenticator or Authy on your smart phone. Learn how to enable two-factor authentication with Google Authenticator and manage WordPress keys with Authy.

After completing these steps, you’re ready to configure two-factor authentication using the iThemes Security Pro plugin. For complete instructions, check out this post: How to Set Up Two Factor Authentication for Your WordPress Site with iThemes Security Pro.

Get iThemes Security Pro