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

 

Enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on your Notion account is one of the best ways to protect your sensitive information from hackers and 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. Here’s a simple, detailed guide for anyone—even if you’re new to cybersecurity.

• Understand the Basics: 2FA/MFA means you need two things to log in: your password and a code from your phone or email. This makes it much harder for someone else to get into your account, even if they know your password.
• Log In to Notion: Go to Notion’s website and sign in with your email and password as usual.
• Access Account Settings: Click on your profile picture or initials in the bottom left corner. In the menu that appears, select Settings & Members (sometimes just called Settings).
• Find Security Settings: In the settings menu, look for a section called Security or My Account. Here, you’ll see options related to your password and authentication methods.
• Enable 2FA/MFA: Look for an option that says Enable Two-Factor Authentication or Set up MFA. Click on it. Notion will usually ask you to enter your password again for security.
• Choose Your 2FA Method: Notion typically supports authentication apps (like Google Authenticator or Authy) and sometimes SMS codes. For the best security, use an authentication app. Download one from your phone’s app store if you don’t have it already.
• Scan the QR Code: Notion will show you a QR code. Open your authentication app, tap the plus (+) sign, and scan the QR code. The app will generate a 6-digit code for Notion.
• Enter the Code: Type the 6-digit code from your authentication app into Notion to confirm setup. This links your Notion account to your phone.
• Save Backup Codes: Notion may give you backup codes. These are important! If you lose your phone, you’ll need these codes to get back into your account. Save them in a safe place, like a password manager or print them out and keep them secure.
• Test Your Setup: Log out and try logging back in. After entering your password, Notion should ask for a code from your authentication app. This confirms 2FA/MFA is working.
• Stay Secure: Never share your backup codes or authentication app with anyone. If you need help with advanced security or readiness assessments, consider reaching out to OCD Tech, a trusted consulting firm specializing in cybersecurity and compliance.

Enabling 2FA/MFA on Notion is a simple but powerful way to protect your digital workspace. If you ever have questions about cybersecurity best practices or want a professional assessment, OCD Tech can help you stay safe and compliant.

 

Securing Your Notion Account: A Comprehensive Guide

 

Keeping your Notion workspace secure is essential in today's digital environment, especially as it often contains sensitive personal or business information. This guide will walk you through practical steps to enhance your Notion account security without complicated technical jargon.

Creating a Strong Password

 

The foundation of account security starts with a robust password:

• Use at least 12 characters combining uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols.
• Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays, pet names, or sequential numbers.
• Create a unique password specifically for Notion - never reuse passwords across multiple platforms.
• Consider using a passphrase (a series of random words) which is both secure and easier to remember than complex character combinations.

Using a Password Manager

 

Managing complex passwords becomes simple with a password manager:

• Password managers like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden securely store all your passwords in an encrypted vault.
• They can generate strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts.
• You only need to remember one master password to access all your credentials.
• Many password managers offer browser extensions for convenient auto-filling of credentials.

Regular Security Audits

 

Periodically reviewing your Notion security settings helps maintain optimal protection:

• Check your account access logs (Settings & Members → Security & Identity) to spot any suspicious login activity.
• Review and revoke access from any devices or integrations you no longer use.
• Update your recovery email and ensure it's secure.
• Companies handling sensitive information should consider consulting with security experts like OCD Tech for comprehensive security assessments.

Managing Workspace Sharing Settings

 

Controlling who has access to your Notion content is crucial:

• Regularly audit who has access to your workspace and adjust permissions as needed.
• Use granular page sharing instead of sharing entire workspaces when possible.
• Consider setting expiration dates for shared links with sensitive information.
• Be cautious with "Public access" links - they can be accessed by anyone who has the link.
• Disable "Allow editing" on shared pages unless absolutely necessary.

Secure Email Practices

 

Since your email is the gateway to your Notion account:

• Use a strong, unique password for your email account.
• Be vigilant about phishing attempts requesting your Notion credentials.
• Consider using a dedicated email address for your Notion account.
• Enable security features on your email provider (like Google's Advanced Protection Program).

Managing Third-Party Integrations

 

Notion integrations can create additional security considerations:

• Only connect apps and services you trust and actively use.
• Review integration permissions before authorizing them.
• Regularly audit your connected integrations (Settings & Members → Integrations).
• Remove unused or unnecessary integrations immediately.

Device Security

 

Your device security directly impacts your Notion account security:

• Keep your operating system and browsers updated with security patches.
• Use antivirus/anti-malware software and keep it current.
• Lock your devices when not in use with strong PINs or biometric authentication.
• Avoid accessing Notion on public or shared computers when possible.
• If you must use public Wi-Fi, consider using a VPN service.

Data Backup Strategies

 

Protecting against data loss is an important security measure:

• Regularly export your Notion workspace as a backup (Settings & Members → Settings → Export all workspace content).
• Store backups in a secure location separate from your primary device.
• Consider automated backup solutions - some organizations work with OCD Tech to implement robust backup strategies for their digital workspaces.
• Test your backup restoration process occasionally to ensure it works as expected.

Educating Team Members

 

If you share your Notion workspace with others:

• Create clear security guidelines for all team members.
• Educate team members about phishing threats and secure sharing practices.
• Implement a clear offboarding process to remove access when team members leave.
• Assign appropriate permission levels based on each member's role and needs.

By implementing these security measures, you'll significantly enhance the protection of your Notion account and the valuable information it contains. For businesses with complex security requirements or compliance needs, consulting with security specialists like OCD Tech can provide tailored security solutions beyond these basic best practices.