Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is a widely used technology that enhances website security by adding an extra layer of protection. However, despite its effectiveness, the adoption rate of 2FA is still low. In this article, we will discuss ways to improve the user experience of 2FA and increase its adoption rate.
Statistics on 2FA Adoption
Although 2FA has been around for decades, its adoption rate is still relatively low. According to Twitter’s transparency report, only 2.6% of active accounts use 2FA. Similarly, a DataProt report from 2022 shows that only 26% of companies with online operations use multifactor authentication. These numbers indicate that there is a need to improve the user experience of 2FA to increase its adoption rate.
Improving the 2FA User Experience
Improving the user experience of 2FA means making it easier to use. Here are three ways to achieve this goal:
1. Offer Multiple One-Time Password (OTP) Channels
One of the main reasons why users don’t enable 2FA is that websites and apps might not offer the OTP channels they prefer. To address this issue, website owners should provide several OTP channels, including email, SMS texts, and authentication apps such as Google Authenticator and Authy. Using a 2FA plugin that offers as many OTP channel options as possible can increase the chances of users opting into the feature.
Additionally, enabling 2FA backup methods, or backup codes, can ease users’ anxiety about getting locked out. With backup channels, it should be extremely rare that users can’t access your site.
2. Save Trusted Machines
Entering codes every time they want to access their accounts can be frustrating for users. To address this issue, website owners should use 2FA plugins that offer a “trusted machines” feature. This feature recognizes the computers that visitors use to log in to their accounts, and recognized devices won’t have to enter OTP codes every time they try to log in. Expiration settings should be included to force users to re-confirm trusted devices periodically for increased security.
3. White Label the 2FA Process
Many websites use third-party tools to implement 2FA, which can be a dealbreaker for some users. To address this issue, website owners can white label the 2FA authentication page that users see when they try to log in to the website. This means using the website’s logo, removing any mention of visitors using a plugin, and customizing the authentication page in any other way that the website owner sees fit. Customizing the authentication page can minimize confusion among users and make the 2FA process more user-friendly.
Conclusion
Improving the user experience of 2FA is crucial to increase its adoption rate. Website owners should offer multiple OTP channels, save trusted machines, and white label the 2FA process to make it more user-friendly. By implementing these methods, website owners can maximize the number of people that opt into 2FA, making their website more secure and less vulnerable to attacks.
