How to Use Two-Factor Authentication

Objective

OVHcloud offers tools to optimize security for your account and services. You can enable two-factor authentication (2FA). This is linked to your username-password couple, and you can use it via a device: e.g., a smartphone, tablet, or security key.

Find out more about the methods we offer and how to enable them.

Requirements

• access to the OVHcloud Control Panel
• a smartphone or tablet (for the mobile application method) or a Universal Second Factor (U2F) security key

Instructions

You can enable one or more two-factor authentication methods to secure and control access to the OVHcloud Control Panel. We offer three different methods:

• via an OTP mobile application. Install an OTP mobile application on to your Android or iOS smartphone or tablet. Next, link the application to your OVHcloud account. Each time you try to log in to your account, the application will generate a one-time code valid for a short time period. Once you have linked the application to your account, your device no longer needs an internet connection for the codes to be generated.

• via a U2F security key. This method involves plugging a U2F USB security key into your computer each time you log in to your OVHcloud account. When you plug in the key, the authentication process takes place automatically. This method offers a higher level of security, as it is based on independent security hardware that is completely separate from your computer, smartphone or tablet. As a result, it is less exposed to the risk of hacking.

Step 1: Enable your first two-factor authentication method.

To activate two-factor authentication on your account, first log into the OVHcloud Control Panel. Click your name on the top-right of the Dashboard page.

Click the Security tab to navigate to your two-factor authentication options.

• via mobile app
• via security key

Once you have added your first method, you can also add the other method, so that you have more freedom in accessing your account.

Step 2: Save the emergency security codes.

When you add two-factor authentication for the first time, you are sent emergency codes. Please keep them saved somewhere safe. We recommend saving them in a password manager.

You can delete or regenerate them via the OVHcloud Control Panel:

Step 3: Log in to the OVHcloud Control Panel with two-factor authentication.

Once you have enabled two-factor authentication, the login screen will show the security method selected. If you would like to use another method, click Try another method.

What do I do if I lose one of my devices, or if it stops working?

If you have lost one of your devices (mobile phone/smartphone/security key) or it stops working, we advise using one of the other two-factor authentication methods enabled on your account.

You can also use one of the security codes provided to you.

Remove a device linked to two-factor authentication.

To remove a device, please log in to the OVHcloud Control Panel. Click on your name in the top right-hand corner (first step on the image below), then click your initials (second step).

Next, click Security (the first step on the image below), then click on the ... icon (second step) to the right of the device you want to delete, and finally, click Remove (third step).