You’ll want an authenticator app that backs up

account information in case you lose your phone

or it’s stolen or broken. Authy, Duo Mobile,

LastPass Authenticator, and Microsoft

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Privacy is paramount when it comes to

authenticator apps. In a smart move from Google,

Android does not allow screenshots while an

authenticator app is open. You’ll want a

convenient app, so you’re more likely to use it for

every account. Authy and Microsoft Authenticator

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authentication tokens sent right to your wrist.

How convenient.

For even more protection, you could get a security

key for your MFA needs. Security keys are usually

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your key ring and produce codes transmitted via

Bluetooth, NFC, or when you plug them into a

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It’s unlikely that a dodgy app on your phone

would intercept your authenticator app’s codes,

but why take the chance? Security keys cut out

the middleman (the phone) and serve just one

purpose: to produce authentication codes. Some

security keys also implement biometric

authentication, making the process truly multi-

factor. Security keys also don’t require an internet

connection, and they’re tough to break. But, all

said, security keys aren’t as convenient as your

phone when obtaining and entering

authentication tokens.

K

i

m

K

e

y

@ kimnewsome

Kim Key covers

security and

streaming services for

PCMag. She has

previously written for

CNN, Fanbyte,

Mashable, the New

York Times, and

TechRadar.

PC MAGAZINE DIGITAL EDITION (^) I SUBSCRIBE (^) I JANUARY 2022