Your security is important, and your Nord Account security doubly so. With easy access to all of your Nord products, an intruder could wreak havoc with your subscriptions and settings. Fear not — you can now set up multi-factor authentication for your Nord Account to keep yourself safe.
What is multi-factor authentication?
Multi-factor authentication adds extra security checks when logging into your account. Most often, this means having to directly authorize any login attempt — for example, you could be asked to enter a unique, time-sensitive code sent directly to your mobile phone. Without getting their hands on that phone, intruders will be stopped even if they know your password.
Which authentication methods can I use with Nord Account?
Currently, Nord Account supports authenticator apps, which are by far the most popular MFA method. These apps periodically generate codes that you need to enter when you want to log in. To protect you against delayed attacks, authentication codes are only valid for a very short time.
There are many free authentication apps available for your mobile device, such as Google Authenticator. Check the app’s description and reviews on Google Play or Apple’s App Store to make sure that it fully fits your needs.
How to set up multi-factor authentication for Nord Account
- Log in to your Nord Account.
- Go to your dashboard:
- Open the Multi-factor authentication (MFA) tab.
- Click on the Multi-factor authentication (MFA) panel.
- Follow the instructions from the handy Setup Wizard.
- Save your backup codes. You need them to access Nord Account without your authenticator app.
- You will be prompted to log out of all devices. This is highly recommended for your security.
On desktop, click on your email address in the top-right corner and select Account preferences from the menu.
On mobile, tap on the three bars in the top-right corner to open the menu. Scroll down and select Account preferences.
What are backup codes?
No security system is immune to human error. Backup codes make sure you’re not locked out of your Nord Account after losing access to your authentication app — if, for example, you break, misplace, or factory-reset your phone.
You will receive a batch of backup codes when you first set up MFA on your account. Write them down and keep them safe. You can view your remaining codes or generate new ones at any time in your Account settings, under the Multi-factor authentication (MFA) tab.
Should I use multi-factor authentication?
Simply put, yes. While some grumble at the thought of having to jump through extra hoops just to check their account, the truth is, such security measures are absolutely vital to keep determined intruders away.
Even strong passwords can be circumvented through phishing attacks or database hacks. Thousands of user credentials trickle down to the darknet’s black markets with each data leak. Check if your password’s been compromised on Have I been pwned? — if it has been, it’s only a matter of time before you get a notification about an unknown device signing in.
But with MFA, knowing just your password is not enough. Intruders now also need access to something in your physical possession, which is much harder to get a hold of. You can enjoy the security granted by your Nord products knowing that the keys to your Nord Account are always safe at hand.
How to remove multi-factor authentication from Nord Account
For the reasons outlined above, we strongly urge you to keep MFA on at all times. You should only remove your authenticator app if you want to replace it with a different one. To remove MFA from your account, please follow the steps below.
- Log in to your Nord Account.
- Go to your dashboard:
- Open the Multi-factor authentication (MFA) tab.
- Click on the Multi-factor authentication (MFA) panel, which should be set to On.
- Verify your identity by entering your password.
- In the new panel, click the Disable button next to Authenticator app.
- Confirm your choice.
On desktop, click on your email address in the top-right corner and select Account preferences from the menu.
On mobile, tap on the three bars in the top-right corner to open the menu. Scroll down and select Account preferences.