Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your Exact Hosting account by requiring a time-based code from an authenticator app each time you sign in. This guide walks you through enabling 2FA, saving your backup code, and removing 2FA if you ever need to.
About two-factor authentication
With 2FA enabled, signing in to Exact Hosting requires two things: your password and a six-digit code generated by an authenticator app on your phone or another device. Even if someone learns your password, they cannot access your account without that second factor. You can enable or disable 2FA from your account at any time.
Exact Hosting supports any standard time-based one-time password (TOTP) app, including Google Authenticator and Duo Mobile.
Before you begin
- An authenticator app installed on your device. Download Google Authenticator, Duo Mobile, or a similar TOTP app before you start the setup.
- A safe place to store your backup code. The backup code lets you sign in if you lose access to your authenticator app — keep it somewhere secure, such as a password manager.
- Your Exact Hosting account credentials. You'll be signed in to the client area to enable or disable 2FA.
Enabling 2FA on your account
Use this process the first time you turn 2FA on, or after you've previously disabled it. The setup links your account to a specific authenticator app entry on your device.
- Sign in to your Exact Hosting account.
- In the upper-right corner, click the Hello, drop-down and select Security settings.
- Review the current 2FA status on the page, then select Click here to enable.
- Click Get started to begin the setup.
- Open your authenticator app and either scan the on-screen QR code or enter the setup key manually. Once paired, the app generates a verification code.
- After your device is synced, the confirmation screen displays your backup code. Save it immediately.
Warning: Save your backup code in a secure location before leaving the confirmation screen. You'll need it to sign in if you ever lose access to your authenticator app.
Removing 2FA from your account
Disable 2FA when you're switching authenticator apps, replacing your phone, or no longer want the extra sign-in step. You can re-enable 2FA at any time by repeating the setup steps above.
- Sign in to your Exact Hosting account.
- In the upper-right corner, click the Hello, drop-down and select Security settings.
- Select Click here to disable to remove 2FA from your account.
Tip: If you're changing phones, enable 2FA on the new device before disabling it on the old one. That way you avoid a window where the account isn't protected by 2FA.
Next steps
- Save your backup code somewhere safe. A password manager is ideal — keep it separate from the device that runs your authenticator app.
- Update your sub-account users. If others sign in to your account, share these instructions so each user enables 2FA on their own login. See the Managing Your Exact Hosting Client Area guide for adding sub-accounts.
- Locate your support PIN. Pair 2FA with your support PIN for a stronger security posture when contacting Exact Hosting Support. See Finding and Generating Your Exact Hosting Support PIN.
Questions? Contact Exact Hosting Support.
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