How to Use Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication provides another layer of security in addition to the password that you normally use to log in to the OVH US Manager. The password is static and is known as the "first factor" for authentication purposes.

OVHcloud offers two forms of authentication for the "second factor." First, you can pair any authentication app (i.e. Authy, Google Authenticator, LastPass, etc...) on a mobile device to your OVH US account. Second, you can pair a U2F (Universal 2nd Factor) key with your account and use it as your second form of authentication.

Note: There are some known issues with using a U2F key in the OVH US Manager with Mozilla Firefox, so we recommend that users wishing to pursue this option use a different browser.

Prerequisites

• An authentication app or a U2F key

Topics

• Enabling and Using Two-Factor Authentication
• Disabling Two-Factor Authentication

Enabling and Using Two-Factor Authentication

In this section, you will set up your account to use two-factor authentication and test it to make sure it works for you. First, log in to the OVH US Manager and click your name in the top-right of the page. Select My account from the drop-down menu.

From the left-hand sidebar, click Security and then click the Activate double authentication button. You should see a screen that looks like this:

Click the Next button and you will be prompted to use a mobile application or a security key.

Choose the method you would like to configure. If you chose to use a mobile authentication app, scan the QR code with the application you have chosen we recommend FreeOTP.

If you choose to use a security key, insert the key when prompted.

Regardless of which method you choose, you will be taken to a screen which will give you ten emergency codes. Make sure to save these codes in a secure location as they will be the only way to access the OVH US Manager should you lose access to the mobile authentication app or U2F key you have paired with the OVH US Manager. After you have saved the emergency codes, click the Confirm button to complete the process.

To test if two-factor authentication has been set up correctly, log out of the OVH US Manager completely and attempt to log back in. If, after entering your password, you are taken to a screen like the one below, you have successfully set up two-factor authentication.

Enter the code from your authenticator application or insert your key to complete your login.

Disabling Two-Factor Authentication

If you need to disable two-factor authentication on your account for any reason, you will need to contact OVHcloud Support via chat or ticket.

Conclusion

Two-factor authentication provides our customers with an extra layer of security on their accounts. Now that you know how to use it, we highly recommend you take advantage of this feature to protect all of your OVH US accounts.