Zoom Two-factor Authentication (2FA) Added to All Accounts
Zoom meeting login for the mobile and desktop apps now supports two-factor authentication (2FA). When enabled, the newly added security feature requires an extra step for users to sign in for a Zoom video conference. This helps protect school, work, and individual accounts from hackers and unauthorized users.
Zoom video calls have been plagued by a number of security and privacy issues. Workplace and classroom video calls have been interrupted by strangers and some by menacing individuals. Schools, universities and companies can secure their meetings to prevent uninvited participants by enabling 2FA protection. The new feature is available for Zoom desktop client for Windows, macOS, or Linux, 5.2.2 or better. It also works with Zoom Rooms for Conference Room for Windows or macOS, 5.2.1 or higher.
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Admins can opt to require the use of two-factor authentication for all Zoom meeting attendees. Individuals can choose between SMS text messages or an authenticator app for two-factor authentication.
What is two–factor authentication?
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an added layer of security to protect online accounts. Two-factor authentication, called 2FA, requires one additional interaction from a user after they enter in their password. Examples of two-factor authentication include fingerprint scans, entering the code from an SMS text message, clicking on a link in, an email, or a fingerprint scan.
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For a Zoom meeting login, two-factor authentication requires the meeting attendee to enter an SMS text message code or an authenticator app code.
Of the two zoom two-factor authentication options, using an authenticator app is the more secure option. We recommend using Google Authenticator to secure my logins.
Authenticator Apps that Work with Zoom Two-Factor Authentication
- Google Authenticator (Android, iOS)
- Microsoft Authenticator (Android, iOS, Windows)
- FreeOTP (Android, iOS)
Is two-factor authentication (2FA) Secure?
Yes, 2FA is more secure than just using a password or no security at all. It adds an additional layer security for any online account that allows 2FA as a security feature. A variation on 2FA, is its close cousin called multi factor authentication or MFA. With multi-factor authentication, the user must respond to two or more prompts before they are granted access to an online account.
How to Enable Zoom Two Factor Authentication Login (admin)
Any Zoom meeting login using 2FA works on Android or iOS device that can receives SMS text messages. Users can also use any app that supports Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP) protocol. For school and corporate users, the administrator will have to enable 2FA for all call participants. Zoom users will need access to their phone to set it up for themselves the first time.
- Sign into the Zoom Dashboard
- In the navigation menu select Advanced
- Select Security
- Enable Sign in with Two-Factor Authentication
- Select one of these options to enable 2FA for:
- All users in your account
- Users with specific roles – For this option, click the pencil icon to select the roles, then click OK.
- Users belonging to specific groups: When using this option, click the pencil icon to assign 2FA requirement to certain groups
- Click Save
Admins can reset an existing two-factor authentication setup if a user loses their phone or gets a new one.
How to Enable Zoom Two Factor Authentication Login (user)
If your meeting administrator is requiring 2FA then follow these instructions to set it up.
- Sign into the Zoom web portal
- Select Authentication App or SMS as your authentication method.
Users need a phone that can receive an SMS text messages for authentication. The device is needed when setting up zoom 2FA. Likewise, if you’re going to use an authenticator app, you will have to have that already installed on the mobile device. An authenticator app is more secure than using text messages for two factor authentication.
