Just one easily guessed password can stop your business in its tracks. So Xero has put an extra bolt on the door to help keep your data secure.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an additional way of checking that it’s really you when you log in. It combines something you know (your user name and password) with something you have (an authentication app on your smartphone or tablet). This second layer of security is designed to prevent anyone but you from accessing your account even if they know your password.
Follow the steps for setting up multi-factor authentication and allow it to automatically send notifications to you.
When you log in to Xero, enter your email and password as usual. Xero Verify immediately sends a notification to your mobile device. Just approve it and you’re all set.
Note: You can also use Google Authenticator, FreeOTP or Authy but you won’t receive push notifications. Instead you’ll need to enter a code. If you don’t have a smartphone or tablet, you can use Authy or WinAuth.
If you’re not asked to set up multi-factor authentication when you log in to Xero, you can set it up yourself. Click your initials or image, click Account, and then select Set up under Multi-factor authentication and follow the instructions.
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about enabling and using multi-factor authentication.
Our lives are increasingly digital but many people still use and share weak passwords that are easily guessed, or fail to keep software and anti-malware up to date. For this reason, two-step authentication is being used more and more in everyday situations where security and privacy are important, including access to online banking and email.
What may appear to be temporarily inconvenient has been proven to significantly reduce the risk and inconvenience of a compromised account.