Cybersecurity 
You can protect your digital footprint by deleting any accounts you no longer use, adjusting your privacy settings, avoiding oversharing on social media and using a
3 min read
Published on July 20, 2023
Updated on April 10, 2025.
An authenticator app is a secure and easy identity verification method that generates number codes you enter alongside your credentials to access an account. Experts recommend using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on every account where it’s available to increase security and better protect your data. An authenticator app is a free, simple and secure way to use MFA, and most accounts with security settings offer it as an option.
Continue reading for details on how authenticator apps work and how to use them.
How authenticator apps work
Authenticator apps work based on the Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP) verification model. Here’s a step-by-step of how it works:
- Setup: When you enable MFA, the account server generates a secret key, shown as a QR code. You scan it with your authenticator app, which securely stores the key.
- Shared secret: Both the server and your app now share the same secret key. It’s never sent over the internet again and remains private.
- Code generation: The app uses the secret key and the current time to generate a 6-digit code that refreshes every 30-60 seconds using the TOTP algorithm.
- Login process: When you log in, you enter your username, password and the code shown in the app.
- Server verification: The server uses the same key and time to generate its own code. If your code matches, you’re granted access. If not, access is denied.
Are authenticator apps secure?
Authenticator apps are secure because they keep the code local to your device and use encryption to protect the stored secret key. This means the codes aren’t transmitted over the internet, which makes them resistant to common attack methods like phishing, SIM swapping and Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks. Additionally, since the codes reset every thirty to sixty seconds, it’s extremely difficult for cybercriminals to steal or reuse them.
Some authenticator apps, such as Authy and Microsoft Authenticator, offer features like biometric lock to secure your authenticator app with an extra layer of security.
What to consider when choosing an authenticator app
Not all authenticator apps are created equal. It’s important to do research before choosing one to make sure it suits your needs. Here are some questions to ask yourself when choosing an authenticator app:
- Does the app encrypt your secret keys and backup data?
- Can you lock the app with Face ID, fingerprint or a PIN?
- Can the app generate codes without internet access?
- Does the app offer an easy and secure way to recover access in case you lose your device?
💡Did you know? Some password managers like Keeper have built-in support for generating 2FA codes. This lets you manage both your passwords and authentication codes in one place, which can help you stay organized and streamline logins.
How to set up and use an authenticator app
Here’s how you can easily set up and start using your authenticator app:
- Choose your authenticator app. We recommend using a password manager, but you have a few different options to choose from. Choose whatever is easiest for you to use and download the app on your phone.
- Request a QR code from your account. This can usually be found in the security settings of the account you want to secure under your MFA options.
- Scan the QR code with the authenticator app. The application you’re using will use either the device camera or a screenshot function to scan the QR code.
- You’re ready to go! Now that your authenticator app is set up, you can use it to log in to your account. You do this by entering the 6-digit code displayed in the app after you’ve entered your username and password. The code changes every 30 seconds, so make sure to enter it quickly before it expires. If the code matches the one generated by the server, you’ll be granted access.
Use authenticator apps to strengthen your accounts
Authenticator apps are highly secure and easy to set up and use. We highly recommend the use of an authenticator app for MFA. Keeper Password Manager integrates authenticator app functionality right into its application, which streamlines your cybersecurity and makes it easy to secure your accounts.
Start a free 30-day trial of Keeper Password Manager to see how we can make your online life more secure.
