How to Enable 2FA/MFA on Your Atera Account: A Step-by-Step Guide

 

Enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on your Atera account is one of the best ways to protect your sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access. 2FA/MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, usually a code from your phone, in addition to your password. Here’s how you can set it up, even if you’re new to cybersecurity:

• Log in to your Atera account using your usual username and password. If you don’t remember your login details, use the “Forgot Password” link on the login page.
• Access your account settings by clicking on your profile icon or name, usually found in the top right corner of the dashboard. Look for an option labeled “Profile,” “Account,” or “Settings.”
• Find the Security or 2FA/MFA section. In your account settings, look for a section called “Security,” “Two-Factor Authentication,” or “Multi-Factor Authentication.” This is where you’ll manage your authentication options.
• Start the 2FA/MFA setup process. Click on the button or link to enable 2FA/MFA. Atera will typically prompt you to choose your preferred authentication method. The most common and secure method is using an authenticator app (like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator) on your smartphone.
• Install an authenticator app on your phone if you don’t already have one. These apps generate time-based codes that you’ll use to log in. You can find them for free in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
• Scan the QR code provided by Atera. When you enable 2FA/MFA, Atera will show you a QR code. Open your authenticator app, select “Add Account” or the plus (+) sign, and scan the QR code on your screen. This links your Atera account to your app.
• Enter the code from your authenticator app. After scanning, your app will display a 6-digit code. Enter this code into the Atera setup page to confirm the connection.
• Save your backup codes. Atera may provide backup codes in case you lose access to your phone. Write these down and store them in a safe place, not on your computer or phone.
• Confirm and finish. Once you’ve entered the code and saved your backup codes, click “Enable” or “Finish.” Your Atera account now has 2FA/MFA enabled, making it much more secure.

What is 2FA/MFA and why is it important?
2FA/MFA means you need something you know (your password) and something you have (your phone or a code) to log in. This makes it much harder for hackers to access your account, even if they steal your password.

If you need help with cybersecurity best practices, readiness assessments, or consulting on 2FA/MFA implementation, consider reaching out to OCD Tech, a trusted consulting and readiness-assessment firm.

Enabling 2FA/MFA on your Atera account is a simple but powerful way to protect your business and personal information from cyber threats.

 

Best Practices and Tips for Securing Your Atera Account

 

Securing your Atera account is essential to protect your IT management environment from unauthorized access and potential data breaches. Implementing the following best practices will help safeguard your account and maintain the integrity of your managed systems:

• Create a strong, unique password – Use a password with at least 12 characters combining uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid easily guessable information such as names or dates.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) – Add an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification when logging into your Atera account.
• Regularly update your password – Change your password every 60-90 days and avoid reusing previous passwords or using the same password across different platforms.
• Be cautious with email links and attachments – Phishing attempts may target Atera users. Always verify the sender’s email address and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unexpected attachments.
• Monitor account activity – Frequently review login history and account activity for any unusual or unauthorized access attempts. Report suspicious activity to your security team immediately.
• Use secure network connections – Avoid accessing Atera on public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks. When necessary, use a VPN to encrypt your connection and protect your data.
• Keep your devices updated and protected – Ensure your computers and mobile devices have the latest security patches and antivirus software installed. Never leave devices unattended while logged into Atera.
• Log out after each session – Always sign out of your Atera account when finished, especially on shared or public devices, to prevent unauthorized access.
• Limit user permissions – Assign only the necessary access rights to users based on their roles to minimize security risks in case of account compromise.
• Enable account notifications – Set up alerts for critical account events such as password changes, login attempts from new devices, or permission changes to stay informed of potential security issues.
• Use password managers – Utilize a trusted password manager to generate and securely store complex passwords, reducing the risk of weak or reused credentials.
• Review third-party integrations carefully – Only authorize integrations with trusted services and regularly audit connected applications to prevent security vulnerabilities.

If you suspect your Atera account has been compromised, immediately change your password and notify your IT security team. For organizations seeking to strengthen their Atera security posture, consulting with cybersecurity experts can provide tailored assessments and best practice implementations.

Remember, maintaining the security of your Atera account is a shared responsibility. By following these guidelines and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and protect your critical IT management data.