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Setting Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Comprehensive guide to enabling and managing Two-Factor Authentication to secure your Lineserve Cloud account.

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Written by Stephen N
Updated over 3 weeks ago

What is Two-Factor Authentication?

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring two forms of verification:

  1. Something you know: Your password

  2. Something you have: Your mobile phone or authentication app

Even if someone obtains your password, they cannot access your account without the second factor.

Why Enable 2FA?

Enabling 2FA is critical for:

  • Account Security: Prevents unauthorized access even with password theft

  • Compliance: Required for many industry standards (PCI DSS, SOC 2)

  • Data Protection: Protects sensitive infrastructure and customer data

  • Billing Protection: Prevents unauthorized usage and charges

  • Team Management: Required for organizations with multiple users

Note: We strongly recommend enabling 2FA immediately after account creation.

Available 2FA Methods

Lineserve Cloud supports two 2FA methods:

1. Authenticator App (Recommended)

Best for: Maximum security and reliability

Supported Apps:

  • Google Authenticator (Android, iOS)

  • Microsoft Authenticator (Android, iOS)

  • Authy (Android, iOS, Desktop)

  • 1Password (Premium)

  • LastPass Authenticator

Advantages:

  • Works offline (no mobile signal needed)

  • More secure than SMS

  • No SMS delivery delays

  • Free to use

2. SMS-Based 2FA

Best for: Quick setup and familiarity

Advantages:

  • Easy to set up

  • No additional app required

  • Works on any mobile phone

Considerations:

  • Requires mobile signal

  • Subject to SMS delivery delays

  • Less secure than authenticator apps

  • May incur SMS charges from your carrier

Setting Up Authenticator App 2FA

Step 1: Access Security Settings

  1. Log in to console.lineserve.com

  2. Click your profile icon in the top right

  3. Select "Account Settings"

  4. Navigate to the "Security" tab

  5. Click "Enable Two-Factor Authentication"

Step 2: Choose Authenticator App Method

  1. Select "Authenticator App"

  2. Choose your preferred authenticator app (or use existing)

  3. Click "Continue"

Step 3: Install Authenticator App

If you don't have an authenticator app installed:

  1. Download your chosen app from:

    • Google Play Store (Android)

    • Apple App Store (iOS)

  2. Install and open the app

  3. Return to the Lineserve console

Step 4: Scan QR Code

  1. In your authenticator app, tap "Add account" or "+"

  2. Select "Scan QR code"

  3. Point your phone's camera at the QR code displayed in the console

  4. The app will automatically add your Lineserve account

Can't scan QR code?

  • Click "Enter code manually" in the console

  • Copy the secret key displayed

  • In your authenticator app, select "Enter setup key"

  • Paste the secret key and save

Step 5: Enter Verification Code

  1. Your authenticator app will display a 6-digit code

  2. Enter the code in the Lineserve console

  3. Click "Verify and Enable"

Note: The code refreshes every 30 seconds. If it doesn't work, wait for the next code.

Step 6: Save Recovery Codes

CRITICAL STEP: You'll be shown 10 recovery codes.

  1. Download the recovery codes as a PDF

  2. Print them and store in a secure location

  3. Save them in a password manager

  4. Never share these codes with anyone

Important: Recovery codes are your only way to access your account if you lose your phone or authenticator app.

Step 7: Confirm Activation

  1. Check the confirmation box to verify you've saved recovery codes

  2. Click "Complete Setup"

  3. You'll see a success message confirming 2FA is enabled

Setting Up SMS-Based 2FA

Step 1: Access Security Settings

  1. Log in to the console

  2. Go to Account Settings → Security

  3. Click "Enable Two-Factor Authentication"

Step 2: Choose SMS Method

  1. Select "SMS Authentication"

  2. Verify your mobile number is correct

  3. Click "Send Verification Code"

Step 3: Verify Phone Number

  1. You'll receive an SMS with a 6-digit code

  2. Enter the code within 15 minutes

  3. Click "Verify"

Step 4: Save Recovery Codes

  1. Download and securely store your recovery codes

  2. Complete the setup

Logging In with 2FA

Using Authenticator App

  1. Enter your email and password

  2. You'll be prompted for a verification code

  3. Open your authenticator app

  4. Find the Lineserve entry

  5. Enter the current 6-digit code

  6. Click "Verify"

Using SMS

  1. Enter your email and password

  2. Click "Send SMS Code"

  3. Wait for the SMS (usually 10-30 seconds)

  4. Enter the 6-digit code

  5. Click "Verify"

Remember This Device

You can check "Remember this device for 30 days" to:

  • Skip 2FA on trusted devices

  • Valid for 30 days from last login

  • Only enable on personal devices

  • Never enable on shared or public computers

Using Recovery Codes

If you don't have access to your 2FA method:

  1. Click "Use a recovery code" on the 2FA screen

  2. Enter one of your 10 recovery codes

  3. Click "Verify"

  4. You'll be logged in successfully

Important Notes:

  • Each recovery code can only be used once

  • After using 8 codes, generate new ones in account settings

  • Keep track of which codes you've used

Managing 2FA Settings

Viewing 2FA Status

Go to Account Settings → Security to view:

  • Current 2FA method

  • When 2FA was enabled

  • Number of remaining recovery codes

  • Trusted devices list

  • Recent 2FA login activity

Switching 2FA Methods

To change from SMS to Authenticator App (or vice versa):

  1. Go to Account Settings → Security

  2. Click "Change 2FA Method"

  3. Verify with current 2FA method

  4. Follow setup steps for new method

  5. Save new recovery codes

Generating New Recovery Codes

If you've lost recovery codes or used most of them:

  1. Log in to your account

  2. Go to Account Settings → Security

  3. Click "Generate New Recovery Codes"

  4. Verify with 2FA

  5. Download and save new codes

Warning: Old recovery codes will be invalidated.

Managing Trusted Devices

View and remove trusted devices:

  1. Go to Account Settings → Security

  2. Scroll to "Trusted Devices"

  3. Review the list of devices

  4. Click "Remove" next to any device to revoke trust

Best Practice: Remove devices you no longer use or recognize.

Disabling 2FA

We strongly discourage disabling 2FA, but if necessary:

  1. Log in to your account

  2. Go to Account Settings → Security

  3. Click "Disable Two-Factor Authentication"

  4. Verify with current 2FA method

  5. Enter your password to confirm

  6. Click "Disable"

Warning: Your account will be less secure without 2FA.

Lost Access to 2FA?

Lost Phone/Authenticator App

If you can't access your authenticator app:

  1. Use a recovery code to log in

  2. Immediately set up 2FA on a new device

  3. Generate new recovery codes

Lost Phone AND Recovery Codes

If you've lost both:

  1. Contact support immediately

  2. Provide account verification information:

    • Full name

    • Email address

    • Last known password

    • Recent billing information

    • Account creation date (approximate)

  3. Support will verify your identity

  4. Account recovery process takes 24-48 hours for security

Can't Receive SMS Codes

If SMS codes aren't arriving:

  • Use a recovery code instead

  • Switch to authenticator app method

  • Update your phone number if changed

2FA for Team Accounts

Enforcing 2FA for Organization

Account owners can require 2FA for all team members:

  1. Go to Organization Settings → Security

  2. Enable "Require 2FA for all team members"

  3. Set grace period (recommended: 7 days)

  4. Team members will be notified to enable 2FA

Checking Team 2FA Compliance

View which team members have enabled 2FA:

  1. Go to Organization Settings → Team

  2. View the "2FA Status" column

  3. Send reminders to members without 2FA

Security Best Practices

  • Use authenticator apps instead of SMS when possible

  • Store recovery codes securely offline and in password manager

  • Never share recovery codes or 2FA codes

  • Review trusted devices regularly (monthly)

  • Enable 2FA on email account used for Lineserve

  • Use unique passwords for Lineserve account

  • Monitor login activity for suspicious access

  • Backup authenticator app data (Authy supports cloud backup)

Supported Regions for SMS 2FA

SMS 2FA is available in all African countries, with optimized delivery for:

  • East Africa: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia

  • West Africa: Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal

  • Southern Africa: South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe

  • North Africa: Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria

Need Help?

For 2FA assistance:

  • Live Chat: Available 24/7 in the console

  • Email Support: [email protected]

  • Phone Support (for account recovery):

    • Kenya: +254 700 123 456

    • Nigeria: +234 800 123 4567

    • South Africa: +27 21 123 4567

Next Steps

After enabling 2FA:

  1. Review account security settings

  2. Set up billing alerts

  3. Configure API key permissions

  4. Enable audit logging

  5. Start deploying resources

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