How to Implement Two-Factor Authentication in WordPress

Posted on 18th June 2023

What is Two-Factor Authentication?

Two-factor authentication, also known as 2FA, is an additional layer of security that can be added to your WordPress website. When you enable 2FA, you’ll be required to enter not only your username and password, but also a second factor, such as a security code from your mobile phone, in order to log in. This makes it much harder for someone to hack into your account, even if they have your password.

Why Use Two-Factor Authentication?

With WordPress powering over 30% of the internet, it’s no surprise that hackers are constantly trying to find new ways to break into WordPress websites. While there are many steps you can take to secure your website, such as using a strong password and keeping your WordPress version up to date, two-factor authentication is one of the best ways to protect your site.

While two-factor authentication won’t stop all attacks, it will add an extra layer of security that can make it much harder for hackers to break into your website. For example, even if a hacker manages to guess your password, they would also need to have access to your mobile phone in order to log in. This makes it much less likely that they’ll be able to break into your account.

How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication in WordPress

While there are many different ways to set up two-factor authentication, we’re going to focus on two of the most popular methods: using a WordPress plugin or adding two-factor authentication to your site manually.

Method 1: Use a WordPress Plugin

The easiest way to add two-factor authentication to your WordPress website is by using a plugin. There are a few different plugins you can choose from, but we recommend using either the Two Factor Authentication or the Google Authenticator plugin.

Two Factor Authentication

Two Factor Authentication is a free WordPress plugin that makes it easy to add two-factor authentication to your website. Once you install and activate the plugin, you’ll be able to choose which user roles will be required to use 2FA. For example, you can require all administrators to use 2FA, or you can choose to only require 2FA for certain user roles, such as editors or authors.

In addition to choosing which user roles will be required to use 2FA, the plugin also allows you to choose which authentication methods will be available. For example, you can choose to allow users to log in with their username and password, as well as a security code from their mobile phone. Or, you can choose to only allow users to log in with their username and password, and then enter a security code after they’ve logged in.

Once you’ve configured the plugin settings, you’ll need to set up your 2FA account. To do this, you’ll need to log in to your WordPress site and then go to the Two Factor Authentication section. From there, you’ll be able to choose your preferred 2FA method and then follow the instructions to set up your account.

Google Authenticator

Google Authenticator is a free plugin that allows you to use the Google Authenticator app to add two-factor authentication to your WordPress website. Once you install and activate the plugin, you’ll need to configure the settings. For example, you can choose which user roles will be required to use 2FA and which authentication methods will be available.

After you’ve configured the plugin settings, you’ll need to set up your 2FA account. To do this, you’ll need to log in to your WordPress site and then go to the Google Authenticator section. From there, you’ll be able to choose your preferred 2FA method and then follow the instructions to set up your account.

Method 2: Add Two-Factor Authentication Manually

If you’re not comfortable using a WordPress plugin, then you can also add two-factor authentication to your WordPress website manually. While this method is more technical, it’s still relatively easy to do.

The first thing you’ll need to do is install the Two Factor Authentication plugin. Once you’ve installed and activated the plugin, you’ll need to copy the code from the plugin folder and paste it into your child theme’s functions.php file. After you’ve added the code, you’ll need to configure the plugin settings.

Once you’ve configured the plugin settings, you’ll need to set up your 2FA account. To do this, you’ll need to log in to your WordPress site and then go to the Two Factor Authentication section. From there, you’ll be able to choose your preferred 2FA method and then follow the instructions to set up your account.

How to Choose a Two-Factor Authentication Method

Now that you know how to add two-factor authentication to your WordPress website, you need to choose which 2FA method is right for you. There are a few different methods you can choose from, but we recommend using either a security code from your mobile phone or a security key. Let’s take a look at each method in more detail.

Security Code

One of the most popular 2FA methods is to use a security code from your mobile phone. When you use this method, you’ll be required to enter not only your username and password, but also a security code that’s been generated by an app on your mobile phone. The most popular app for generating security codes is Google Authenticator, but there are other options available, such as Authy and LastPass.

One of the benefits of using a security code is that it’s easy to set up and use. Another benefit is that you can use it even if you don’t have an internet connection. However, one of the downsides of using a security code is that you’ll need to have your mobile phone with you in order to log in. This can be a problem if you forget your phone or if your battery dies.

Security Key

Another 2FA method is to use a security key. A security key is a physical device that you can use to log in to your WordPress website. When you use a security key, you’ll be required to insert the key into your computer’s USB port and then press a button on the key. The key will then generate a security code that you can use to log in.

One of the benefits of using a security key is that it’s more secure than using a security code from your mobile phone. This is because it’s much harder for someone to steal your security key than it is for them to steal your mobile phone. However, one of the downsides of using a security key is that you’ll need to have the key with you in order to log in. This can be a problem if you forget your key or if you lose it.

Which Two-Factor Authentication Method Should You Use?

Now that you know the different 2FA methods that are available, you might be wondering which one you should use. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, we recommend using a security key if you can. This is because security keys are more secure than security codes and they’re also more convenient than security codes.

If you can’t use a security key, then we recommend using a security code from your mobile phone. While this method is less secure than using a security key, it’s still more secure than not using 2FA at all. Plus, it’s more convenient than using a security key, since you’re likely to always have your mobile phone with you.

Conclusion

Two-factor authentication is a great way to add an extra layer of security to your WordPress website. While it won’t stop all attacks, it will make it much harder for hackers to break into your account. There are many different 2FA methods available, but we recommend using a security key if you can. If you can’t use a security key, then we recommend using a security code from your mobile phone.