At ModernAdvisor, we're always working hard to make sure your investments and personal information are kept secure. While our built-in security protocols play a major role in achieving this, there’s an additional step you can take to enhance your account's protection: Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
Why Activate 2FA?
An Extra Layer of Security: Think of 2FA as a second lock on your front door. Even if someone guesses or steals your password (the first lock), they won't be able to access your account without the unique code provided by the second authentication method.
Protects Your Financial Assets: We have safeguards in place that would prohibit an intruder from withdrawing your financial assets, even if they gain access to your online account. By activating 2FA, you add an additional safeguard against unauthorized changes to your investments.
Shield Against Cyber Attacks: Unfortunately, cyber threats are becoming more advanced and frequent. 2FA serves as a deterrent, making it much harder for cybercriminals to gain access to your account and your sensitive personal information.
Peace of Mind: With 2FA, you'll rest easier knowing that even if your password falls into the wrong hands, there's still another barrier between hackers and your valuable data.
Activating 2FA: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Activating 2FA is straightforward, and we’ve made it even easier for you:
To begin, click your name on the top right, and then Security.
Choose Your Preferred Method:
For Authenticator App:
Scan the QR code to add ModernAdvisor to the authenticator app.
Have other advisors or support staff scan the QR code if they use the login, or take a screenshot to send to them.
Enter the code displayed in the app to confirm
For Phone/SMS
Enter your phone number.
Receive the code via SMS or a phone call.
Enter the received code to confirm 2FA registration.
The Google Authenticator App free, simple and easy to use. It provides a 6 digit code for your specific ModernAdvisor login to enter in when prompted. Any advisor or support staff who scanned the QR code above into the Authenticator App will be able to access the code when prompted. You could also take a screenshot of the QR code to send to your support staff if they have to scan it at a later time.
Sharing an Account with Your Staff
We recognize that advisors may sometimes share login credentials with support staff, and may be hesitant to activate Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for this reason. However, it is generally possible for two or more people to set up an authenticator app for the same account.
Most authenticator apps work by using a shared secret key that is used to generate time-based one-time passwords (TOTPs). If two people set up an authenticator app using the same key for the same account, they will both receive the same sequence of codes, allowing either person to authenticate.
Here are the general steps for setting up an authenticator on two devices:
Initiate the Setup: Begin the two-factor authentication setup process as described above
Scan with First Device: Use the authenticator app on the first person's device to scan the QR code. This will add the account to their app and start generating codes.
Scan with Second Device: Before completing the setup, use the second person's device to scan the same QR code. This will add the same account to their authenticator app.
Alternative Method: If scanning the QR code with multiple devices is not practical, one person can securely capture an image of the QR code (or copy the secret key if available) and share it with others through a secure channel. The other person can then add the account to their authenticator app using the same QR code or key.
Complete the Setup: Finish the setup process as prompted.
Verify Synchronization: Ensure that both authenticator apps are generating the same codes at the same time. This indicates that the setup was successful.