What Is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) And How Does It Work?

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an additional security layer, on top of your password. It strengthens your account security by adding multiple verification methods that reduce the risk of unauthorized access, including when your password is compromised.

Here is how it works:

You enter your username and password,
Next, you must enter an additional authentication code that you receive either via email or using a dedicated authentication app.
You are logged in only after correctly entering your username, password, and authentication code.

2FA In ChMeetings

In ChMeetings, every user can enable 2FA from within their profile.

ChMeetings supports 2FA using codes sent via email; or a dedicated authentication app; for example: Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, Authy, 1Password, LastPass, etc.

Enable 2FA

To enable 2FA on your ChMeetings account, please follow the steps below:

Go to your ChMeetings Profile;
Click Two-Factor Authentication;
Choose what you want to use to receive authentication codes: either an app or your email. You can only use one of these methods at a time.

Let’s look at each method in detail:

Use An Authentication App

With this authentication method, you will use a dedicated authentication app to generate codes to enter when logging into ChMeetings.

To set up 2FA using an authentication app, please follow these steps:

In the Two-Factor Authentication screen, select Authentication App.
Open your chosen authentication app, and set up a new authentication account. You should see options to scan a QR code or enter a setup key. Here is an example from Google Authenticator:
After selecting Authentication App in ChMeetings, you will be shown the QR code that you must scan using your preferred authentication app. Please scan the code, and if this does not work, use the authentication setup key below the code and enter it into your preferred app.
Once the code is scanned, ChMeetings is linked to your authentication app, which will start generating authentication codes. Each code is valid for a specific time (e.g. 30s.), so you must enter it while it is still valid.
To complete the setup, enter a 6-digit code, generated by your chosen authentication app, then click Confirm Code.
After validating the code, your setup is completed successfully. You will see a check mark indicating this.

Use Your Email

You can also use your email to receive authentication codes. With this method, ChMeetings will send authentication codes to your email address, which you must retrieve and enter during login

To set this up, please follow the steps below:

In the Two-Factor Authentication screen, select Email Message.
Click Send Email to send the authentication code to the listed email address, associated to your ChMeetings account.
Next, check your inbox and retrieve the code. Keep in mind that this code is only valid for 6 minutes and should NOT be shared with anyone.
Copy the code from your email, and add it to the ChMeetings setup screen, then click Confirm Code.
After validating the code, your setup is completed successfully. You will see a check mark indicating this.

Log Into ChMeetings While 2FA Is Enabled

When 2FA is enabled, your ChMeetings login will require you to enter both your username and password, as well as the authentication code.

Enter your username and password first, at the usual login screen.
Next, you will be asked to enter the authentication code.
1. If you have enabled 2FA using an authentication app, please use that app to generate a code.
2. If you have enabled 2FA using your email, please check your inbox to retrieve the code.
Enter the code while it is valid. If you did not receive a code, please click Resend Code.
If the code is correct, ChMeetings will log you in automatically.