Group2FA® Frequently Asked Questions
What is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)?
Two-Factor Authentication is a specific type of multi-factor authentication that strengthens access security by verifying the user’s identity. This extra step involves an added layer of security that only an authorized user would have, beyond a username and password, when logging a user into a system. This could include some piece of little-known personal information, or a constantly changing character string displaying on a key-fob. Most commonly this piece of information is a randomly generated number sent to the authorized user’s on-file mobile phone number by SMS text message. This number is commonly referred to as a Verification Code or One-Time Passcode (OTP).
What is a Verification Code, or One Time Passcode (OTP)?
A Verification Code or One-Time Passcode (OTP) is a randomly generated number that is sent to a user during account login authentication. Commonly sent to the user’s cell phone by SMS text message.
What problem does the Group2FA App solve?
When multiple people share the credentials to an online account, such as couples, families, or employees, enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) can be complicated. Often the individual logging in to the account is not the person that has access to the Verification Code or One-Time Passcode (OTP) if it is sent by SMS text message, or if it is generated by an Authenticator App.
Group2FA Numbers are a simple way to share SMS One-time Passcodes with members of a trusted group. When you subscribe to a Group2FA Number, you are assigned an exclusive, SMS-capable phone number. You then add trusted member to your group and re-set your current shared account’s two-factor authentication phone number to your new Group2FA Number.
When an account sends an SMS message to your Group2FA Number, all members in your group receive the One-time Passcode message - in-app, with push notifications, or with SMS or WhatsApp messages sent to their own phone number.
If your shared accounts use an Authenticator App to generate 2FA passcodes, Group2FA allows you to set up access for those codes to a trusted group. Simply add your Authenticator Codes to the App by scanning the QR codes provided by your online accounts. You can grant access to your saved codes to any Group2FA Number group, or you can register an Authenticator Group to invite members to. So, whenever a trusted member needs a generated One-Time Passcode, they can use the Group2FA App to request one.
What's the difference between VoIP and Non-VoIP Phone Numbers?
A VoIP number, or Voice over IP number, is a virtual phone number that works with most online services to receive one-time passwords (OTP), but not all.
Non-VoIP or “Real,” SIM-backed mobile phone numbers are usually required by highly sensitive websites such as financial institutions, business services, or social media platforms. This type of phone number will work with ALL online services.
Are my shared accounts secure?
Yes. Group2FA App does not access your accounts, nor does it collect account details or credentials. The Group2FA App passes/relays SMS messages and one-time passcodes from other 2FA systems, or generates Authenticator codes based on the account holder’s QR code set up. Security information used to generate the OTP codes is not shared with Trusted Group Members. Only you and your group will have access credentials to your shared accounts.
Is Group2FA free?
The Group2FA App is FREE to install, FREE to create an account, and FREE to participate as an Invited Group Member to a Group2FA Number or Authenticator Group. Procuring and managing a Group2FA Number or Authenticator Group requires a monthly subscription charge. These charges are based on the selected subscription plan, and the country and currency associated with the group.
How do the SMS/WhatsApp message limits for Group2FA Numbers work?
Each message sent from your online accounts to your Group2FA Number is an incoming message. Every message forwarded through SMS or WhatsApp is considered an outgoing message. If your group has 3 members, including the Subscriber and 2 Invited Members, and all members have SMS/WhatsApp forwarding activated, each incoming SMS message will result in 4 total messages being used toward your monthly limit.
How can I reduce SMS/WhatsApp message usage?
There is no limit on in-app messages, or messages sent by push notification to the Group2FA App.
Subscribers to a Group2FA Number can control whether they wish to receive a forwarded SMS or WhatsApp message or not. Subscribers can also control if Invited Group Members can select to have their messages forwarded or not. Turning off forwarded messages, or the ability for group members to have their messages forwarded reduces overall usage. It is possible to make only incoming messages from your online accounts count toward your usage.
Are there any prohibited uses for this App?
Yes. Group2FA App may not be used to facilitate any illegal activity. The Group2FA App is designed to allow users to share 2FA messages with trusted individuals. KG ProdDev LLC reserves the right to monitor the use of Group2FA numbers and revoke access from users that are not using the application for its intended purpose.
Can my account be removed, and associated data deleted?
Yes. Steps to request account removal:
- In the Group2FA App, use the menu to navigate to the Account Profile screen
- Below your user details, tap the ‘Delete Group2FA Account’ button
- You must confirm by tapping the ‘Confirm Delete Account’ button
This process does not cancel any active in-app purchases or subscriptions, and recurring billing will continue unless you cancel your subscription within the appropriate app store.
Simplify 2FA for Shared Accounts
