Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is a security feature that will reject access to your cPanel account unless a special code found in your smartphone is entered. Since cPanel contains access to all your files, e-mails, and other data, protecting it with 2FA is a great way to boost the account’s security.
What you'll need?
Before you begin with this guide you will need following:
- Access to your cPanel
- Time-based one-time password (TOTP) application on your phone
Step 1: Download TOTP app
We recommend to use apps like Google Authenticator, Authy or Duo Mobile
In this guide we will be using Google Authenticator
Step 2: Enabling Two-Factor Authentication
Navigate to cPanel -> Two-Factor Authentication section.
After that, press Set Up Two-Factor Authentication
Now, you will be prompted with 2 options which will be briefly described below. Also, in order to complete them you will have to use the TOTP app.
Option 1 is scanning a QR code. If you do not have a QR code reader, you can choose option 2 and enter a generated code found below the QR code.
Now open your Google Authenticator (You can use authy or duo mobile too) app and click on plus icon at bottom right, now you will see two options "Scan a barcode" & "Enter a provided key", you can choose any one and scan or enter the provided key.
Once it is done you will be displayed a six-digit code by the authenticator app. Enter that code in box under Step 2 in cPanel and complete the process.
Congratulations! Two-Step Authentication is now enabled on your cPanel account.
Step 3: Logging into cPanel
From now, after entering your cPanel credentials, you will be required to enter a special 6 digit code generated by the TOTP app. If the code is not entered, access to cPanel will be denied, which means that your control panel will be protected even in a situation where someone knows your cPanel password.
Conclusion
In this quick guide we have learned how to increase your security by enabling Two-Factor Authentication for your cPanel account.