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

Enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on your Atlassian 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 you to provide a second piece of information (like a code from your phone) in addition to your password.

• Understand the Basics: 2FA/MFA means you need something you know (your password) and something you have (like your phone or an app) to log in. This makes it much harder for hackers to get into your account, even if they know your password.
• Log In to Your Atlassian Account: Go to Atlassian Account Login and enter your email and password as usual.
• Access Security Settings: Once logged in, click on your profile picture or initials in the top right corner. Select “Account settings” or “Security” from the menu.
• Find the Two-Step Verification Option: In the security section, look for “Two-step verification” or “Multi-factor authentication”. Click on it to start the setup process.
• Choose Your Authentication Method: Atlassian usually supports authentication apps like Google Authenticator, Authy, or Microsoft Authenticator. Download one of these apps on your smartphone if you don’t have one already.
• Scan the QR Code: The website will show you a QR code. Open your authentication app, select “Add account” or the plus (+) sign, and scan the QR code on your screen. This links your Atlassian account to your app.
• Enter the Verification Code: Your app will generate a 6-digit code. Enter this code on the Atlassian website to confirm the setup.
• Save Backup Codes: Atlassian will give you backup codes. These are important! If you lose your phone, you can use a backup code to access your account. Save them in a safe place, like a password manager or a secure note.
• Finish and Test: Complete the setup. Next time you log in, after entering your password, you’ll be asked for a code from your authentication app. This is your new, more secure login process.
• Get Help if Needed: If you have trouble or want a professional assessment of your security setup, consider reaching out to OCD Tech, a consulting and readiness-assessment firm that can guide you through best practices for Atlassian security.

Enabling 2FA/MFA on your Atlassian account is a simple but powerful way to protect your data from cyber threats. If you need further assistance or want to ensure your organization’s security is up to date, OCD Tech can help you with expert advice and readiness assessments.

Best Practices and Tips for Securing Your Atlassian Account

Securing your Atlassian account is essential to protect your projects, data, and collaboration tools from unauthorized access and cyber threats. Implementing the following best practices will help safeguard your Atlassian environment:

• Create a strong, unique password - Use a password with at least 12 characters combining uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols. Avoid easily guessable information such as names or dates.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) - Add an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification when logging in to your Atlassian account.
• Regularly review account permissions - Ensure that only necessary users have access to your Atlassian products and that permissions align with their roles to minimize security risks.
• Be cautious with email links and attachments - Phishing attacks targeting Atlassian users are common. Always verify the sender’s authenticity before clicking links or downloading files.
• Monitor account activity - Frequently check for unusual login attempts or changes in your Atlassian account settings and report suspicious activity immediately.
• Use secure network connections - Avoid accessing Atlassian services over public Wi-Fi without a VPN to protect your data from interception.
• Keep your devices updated - Maintain the latest security patches and antivirus software on all devices used to access Atlassian products.
• Log out after use - Always sign out of your Atlassian account when finished, especially on shared or public computers, to prevent unauthorized access.
• Utilize password managers - Use trusted password management tools to generate and store complex passwords securely, reducing the risk of password reuse or loss.
• Be mindful of third-party app integrations - Only authorize integrations from trusted sources and regularly review connected apps to avoid potential vulnerabilities.

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

Security is a collective effort. By adhering to these best practices and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and protect your Atlassian account and its valuable data.