How do I activate two-factor authentication?

Available in: FREE PLUS PRO

What is two-factor authentication?

Two-factor authentication (abbreviated 2FA) or multi-factor authentication (abbreviated MFA) is an authentication method that requires users to verify their identity using several factors (e.g. password, fingerprint, SMS code). This provides additional protection against unauthorized access of user accounts and increases security for users and organizations.

With File Express, you also have the option of adding two-factor authentication to further protect your account.

If two-factor authentication is enabled, you first have to enter the password for your user account and then a code generated via an authenticator app (e.g. Authy, Google Authenticator, Aegis) on your smartphone.

We expressly recommend the use of two-factor authentication.

Enable two-factor authentication

You need your smartphone and phone number to enable two-factor authentication.

Your File Express user account is linked to a Hostpoint ID. When you enable two-factor authentication for File Express, it is also automatically enabled for logging into the Hostpoint Control Panel. The same applies if you disable two-factor authentication.

  1. Log in to File Express with your e-mail address and password.
  2. Click your e-mail address and then “My account”.
    → Here you can see all your account details.
  3. Click the “Change in the Control Panel” button.
    “My account” page with the stored user data and button leading to the Control Panel.
    → You will be redirected to the Hostpoint Control Panel.
  4. Click “Password & security” in the menu.
  5. Click “Activate now” in the “Two-factor authentication” section and follow the steps in the setup wizard.
    Settings for “Password & security” in the Hostpoint Control Panel, with a button to activate two-factor authentication.

After successful setup, two-factor authentication will be enabled for your user account.

From the next time you log into File Express, you will be prompted to enter your password and the additional code from the authenticator app.

Problems logging in with two-factor authenticationg

If you encounter a problem when trying to sign in to File Express with two-factor authentication, please select the appropriate option at the bottom of the code entry page:

  • If, for whatever reason, you are currently unable to generate a code with the authenticator app, you can have a one-time code sent to you by SMS so that you can still log in. Please note, however, that two-factor authentication will then be disabled and you will have to subsequently re-enable it.
  • If you have a new smartphone, you have two options: either transfer your codes from the authenticator app to your new smartphone (if your app supports this) or request a deactivation code by mail. You can use this to disable two-factor authentication and then re-enable it with your new smartphone.
  • If you don’t have your smartphone with you or have lost it, you will need to request a deactivation code by mail. You can use this to disable and then re-enable two-factor authentication.
  • If you have a new phone number and have not updated it previously in the Hostpoint Control Panel, you can request a deactivation code by mail. You can use this to disable two-factor authentication and then re-enable it for your new phone number.

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