2-step verification FAQ
What is 2-step verification?
2-step verification, also known as two-factor authentication (2FA), is a security layer in addition to your username and password. With 2-step verification enabled on your account, you will have to provide your password (first "factor") and your 2-step verification code (second "factor") when signing in to your account. 2-step verification codes are associated with a specific device (such as your phone) or your phone number.
|
2FA Type |
Description |
Potential Option(s) |
Level of security |
|
Security Key |
A physical hardware authentication device designed to authenticate access through one-time-password generation. |
Yubico’s yubikey |
Highly recommended by Coinbase |
|
TOTP |
An algorithm that generates a code based on the current time and a secret key known only to you and the online service, in this case Coinbase |
Google Authenticator, Duo |
Second highest |
|
SMS/Text |
Phone app authentication or text based authentication |
Authy |
Least secure |
How do Security Keys work?
For more information on using a Security Key please visit:
How does TOTP work?
Coinbase shows you a QR code, which is a representation of the secret key, which you then scan using an Authenticator app on your mobile device. Google Authenticator and several other authenticator apps allow you to generate TOTP codes using your mobile device or computer.
Which type of 2-step verification should I use?
Security Keys
This is the most secure 2-step verification method as this utilizes physical devices that cannot be compromised electronically, so an attacker would have to gain physical access to your 2-step verification key and access to your digital information.
Coinbase supports all u2F/WebAuthN standard security keys.
Why is SMS/Text the least secure?
Since SMS and the Authy app are linked to a phone number, they can leave you susceptible to phone number porting attacks. These types of attacks involve an attacker transferring or "porting" a victim’s phone number to a device the attacker controls, effectively taking over the number and associated 2-factor authentication codes.
