Solved Authenticator apps - Issues and ease of use

wiganken said:

manually input 32 digits sounds a real PITA

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I just use Copy and Paste. Copy the code, paste to Bitwarden. Then copy the verification # and you're done.

Plus when you later log in to websites, Bitwarden automatically copies the OTP code to the clipboard, so Ctrl-V and no messing around with unlocking your phone, unlocking apps, etc.

Okay, I finally bit the bullet and set up 2FA on a website using the 2FAS app. It was easier than I thought.
Now I am going to look into the details of backing up, where to back up to, how would I recover tokens and how to change 2FA apps if I need to in the future. Maybe I won't need to change from 2FAS but it's early days. I am new to this so I don't know what's down the line.

I'll call this 'Solved' and leave the room. Thanks for all the help.

I'm glad you did that. It sounds complicated and such, but once you actually do it, it isn't.

For any site you enable for MFA, you should hopefully be given the chance to download recovery keys or codes. Those are backup codes in case your other MFA method breaks, you lose your phone, etc. Barring that, they should let you setup another factor in addition to the authenticator app. That's why you want MFA (multi-) over 2FA (two-).

antspants said:

I use Enpass but it’s a paid app. I also have 300 logins and I am yet to see any that don’t work. Some banks I am with though, will not allow the pasting of 2FA or passwords for security reasons.

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Even though I have WinAuth on my main computer, there should be no need for a separate authenticator app.

Enpass does a superb job of handling authentication and passkeys. I'd expect most modern password apps to also support it. If they don't, then that person is using the wrong password app.

Stigg said:

Even though I have WinAuth on my main computer, there should be no need for a separate authenticator app.

Enpass does a superb job of handling authentication and passkeys. I'd expect most modern password apps to also support it. If they don't, then that person is using the wrong password app.

2FA authentication codes | Enpass Help

Using Enpass for two-factor authentication codes When setting up two-factor authentication (2FA) on most websites or apps, you’re provided a QR code to scan fo…

support.enpass.io

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It’s a fantastic app and I very much appreciate your pointing me to it

After reviewing over a dozen password apps over 3 years I settled with BitWarden.
Open source and guaranteed clean with no backdoors / flaws etc. Source code is scrutinized etc.
Support OTP verification codes, plus allows you to edit a record and access the original security key that 99% of all other applications do not allow you to access again. That was why I migrated away from AUTHY.

EnPass, 1Password, Keepass, Sticky Password, Proton Pass, SafeinCloud, NordPass, DashLane, Bitdefender, oh plus RememBear and even Kaspersky password manager...
Bitwarden worked across all devices - Android, PC, iOS, and Web! Plus I could export and keep the data. Where as other services had crippled exports, or data exported incomplete and thus hard to move away from the provider.
Make sure you test exporting with Enpass and importing to another app.
Good luck!