You are on this page because you want to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for WordPress, right?
Did you know that over 90,000 WordPress sites are hacked every day, and 8% of them are due to weak passwords?
As cyber threats are rising rapidly with each passing day, website security is not just an option—it’s a necessity. That’s why it is essential to secure your WordPress login page by adding an additional layer of security like 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) for WordPress.
Keep reading—in this article, we’ll walk you through the simple process of setting up 2FA for WordPress using the AIO Login plugin.
Ready? Let’s secure your WordPress login page in just two easy steps!
What Is WordPress Two-Factor Authentication?
Two-factor authentication, also known as “2FA,” is an extra level of security process that requires users to provide two forms of identification when logging into their WordPress site.
The first factor is typically something the user knows (like a password), and the second factor is specific to the user (such as a one-time password or OTP generated by an authenticator app). This two-step process drastically reduces the chances of unauthorized users accessing your site.
In the context of WordPress, 2FA is a vital security feature for your login page. When enabled, it prevents unauthorized users from logging in, even if they’ve somehow obtained your password.
Most of the time, hackers use WordPress brute force attacks to guess the username and password of your WP login page, but 2FA adds an additional barrier that can protect your website from such threats.
Benefits of Two-Factor Authentication for WordPress:
- Improved Security: Protects your site from unauthorized access, even if your password is compromised.
- Blocks Brute Force Attacks Prevention: Automated scripts used by hackers to guess login credentials won’t work if 2FA is in place.
- Reduces Data Breaches: Prevents unauthorized access to sensitive data stored on your WordPress site.
- Builds User Trust: Strengthening the security of your login page enhances your credibility with users.
- Easy Implementation: The AIO Login WordPress plugin makes it easy to enable and manage 2FA for all users on your site.
What Is an Authenticator App?
An authenticator app is a mobile application that generates unique, time-sensitive codes (usually referred to as time-based one-time passwords or TOTPs) to verify your identity. To set up Two-Factor Authentication for WordPress, you will likely use an authenticator app to generate these OTPs.
Once you’ve linked the app to your WordPress account, it will generate a new code every time you attempt to log in. The code is valid for only a few seconds, probably 30 to 60 seconds, which adds an extra layer of protection that’s difficult for hackers to bypass.
Popular authenticator apps include:
- Google Authenticator
- Authy
- Microsoft Authenticator
- LastPass Authenticator
- 1Password
IMPORTANT: As you can see, there are plenty of TOTP apps, but we only recommend Google Authenticator, Authy, and Microsoft Authenticator, as they are reliable.
Advantages of Using a TOTP Authenticator App:
Instead of using an OTP (one-time password) on your mobile number, TOTP apps offer unique benefits, such as:
- Offline access: These generate codes without requiring an internet connection.
- More secure than SMS: Unlike SMS, which can be intercepted, app-generated codes are safer.
- Time-limited codes: TOTP (time-based one-time password) expires quickly, which reduces the window of opportunity for hackers to misuse it.
- No reliance on mobile networks: Authenticator apps work in areas without cell service.
- Convenient and easy to use: You simply need to open the app to retrieve a code to log in.
How Two-Factor Authentication Works in WordPress
The process of Two-Factor Authentication in WordPress is quite simple but highly effective. Here’s a quick rundown of how it works:
- User Login: You or any other user tries to log in to your WordPress site by entering their username and password.
- 2FA Code Prompt: After entering the correct login credentials, the user is prompted to enter a one-time password (OTP) generated by their authenticator app.
- Generate OTP: The user opens their authenticator app (e.g., Google Authenticator, Authy) to retrieve the OTP.
- OTP Entry: The user inputs the OTP into the WordPress login page.
- Verification: If the OTP is valid and matches the one generated by the app, access is granted to the WordPress dashboard.
Why Should You Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) in WordPress?
As we told you earlier, WordPress login page security is an absolute must. Statistics from recent years show an alarming rise in cyberattacks on WordPress sites, particularly targeting the login page.
In early 2023, the brute force attack on WordPress sites increased to 200 million. This trend shows the critical importance of strengthening the security of your WordPress login page.
However, if you still want to ignore it, then check out the following reasons why you should activate 2FA for WordPress right now.
Reasons to Enable 2FA for WordPress:
- Mitigate Password Theft: Even if your password is stolen or guessed, the attacker still needs the second authentication factor.
- Comply with Security Regulations: For some industries, implementing 2FA is a requirement to comply with data protection laws.
- Prevent Brute Force Attacks: Hackers won’t be able to break in without both the password and the OTP.
- Increase Site Security: The extra verification step adds a robust layer of protection.
- Boost User Confidence: Users feel safer logging into a website that has 2FA in place.
3 Easy Steps to Set Up Multi-Factor Authentication for WordPress
Now, you know almost everything about two-factor authorization for WordPress and how an authenticator app works. So, it’s time to discuss the process of setting up a 2FA for WordPress.
We will use the AIO Login for this, but the best thing is that this plugin not only gives you the ability to add 2FA for WordPress, but you can also apply the limit login attempts restriction for the WordPress login page, ban IP addresses, WordPress admin URL security, etc.
For WordPress 2FA, simply follow the steps below:
Step #1: Install and Activate the AIO Login Plugin
The first step is to install and activate the AIO Login plugin. The plugin is available in both free and pro versions, and you’ll need to start by installing the free version before upgrading to Pro.
NOTE: To enable 2FA for WordPress, you need to install the premium version of AIO Login.
Follow the steps below to install the AIO Login plugin (Free Version):
- Go to your WordPress dashboard and click Plugins >> Add New Plugin.
- In the search bar, type “AIO Login” in the search bar.
- When the plugin appears, click Install Now, and once it’s installed, click Activate.
After successful activation, you’ll see the “AIO Login” option in the sidebar of your WordPress dashboard.
Now, to install the AIO Login Pro version, follow these steps:
- Visit the AIO Login’s official website and purchase the Pro version.
- Download the Pro version’s zip file from your welcome email or account.
- Go back to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Plugins >> Add New Plugin, and select Upload Plugin.
- Choose the downloaded zip file and click Install Now.
- Once installed, click Activate and enter your license key to unlock the plugin’s Pro features.
Step #2: Enable 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication)
Before you can configure 2FA, you need to enable the feature in the AIO Login plugin.
- Go to the AIO Login dashboard.
- Then click the Security tab and look for the 2FA option.
- Finally, turn on the 2FA feature to activate it.
Once enabled, you’re ready to set up and configure 2FA for your WordPress site.
Step #3: Configure Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for WordPress
After enabling the feature, you can set up 2FA for your WordPress login page.
IMPORTANT: To complete this step, make sure you’ve already installed an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Authy on your smartphone.
Now, follow the steps below:
- Upon enabling the 2FA feature, you’ll see a QR code displayed.
- Open your authenticator app and scan this QR code.
- The app will generate a one-time password (OTP).
Also, make sure you copy the long randomly generated string that you can see below the QR code. Using the string, you can retrieve OTP on another phone if your phone is lost or stolen.
- After scanning the QR Code, click on the “Next” button.
- Enter the OTP in the “One Time Password” field shown below.
- Click “Verify OTP” to authenticate the OTP.
- If you have provided the right OTP, you’ll see the “Save Changes” alive.
- Lastly, hit the “Save Changes” button to complete the process.
WordPress Login Page After Implementing 2FA
Once you’ve successfully enabled the 2FA for WordPress using the AIO login plugin. Wherever you enter the username and password, a 2FA screen will appear, and you’ll need both your password and the OTP to log into your WordPress site moving forward.
That’s it! Now, your WordPress login is secure via two-factor authentication. Also, don’t forget to apply the limit login feature to strengthen security further.
Want to customize your WordPress login page? —Check out our detailed on How to Create a Custom Login Page in WordPress
Final Remarks About Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for WordPress
Enabling two-factor authentication for your WordPress site is a smart way to strengthen security and protect against potential breaches. It makes it much harder for hackers to access your site, even if they manage to steal your password.
Along with other security measures like strong passwords and limiting login attempts, 2FA is a powerful tool to help secure your WordPress site.
Fortunately, the AIO Login plugin provides so much more than just 2FA for WordPress. Click here to check the plugin’s features and the value you get to secure your WordPress site reliably.
Lastly, if you need help setting up Two-Factor Authentication for WordPress or have any questions about the AIO Login plugin, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help you secure your website!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you set up 2FA on WordPress?
Yes, you can easily set up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on WordPress using a plugin like AIO Login, which provides an option to enable 2FA for your login page.
How do I force two-factor authentication on WordPress?
To force 2FA, you can configure your WordPress site’s security settings using the AIO Login to enable 2FA for all users.
What happens if I lose access to my second authentication method?
If you lose access to your authenticator app, you can use the backup/recovery string (provided during the 2FA setup), or you can deactivate the plugin using the cPanel.
Is two-factor authentication mandatory for WordPress security?
No, it’s not mandatory, but 2FA is highly recommended to add an extra layer of security to protect your site from unauthorized logins.
Can I use 2FA with other WordPress security measures like firewalls or IP blocking?
Absolutely, you can and should use 2FA along with other security measures like firewalls and IP blocking to provide a comprehensive security solution.
Will enabling two-factor authentication affect my website’s performance?
No, enabling 2FA does not affect your website’s performance. It only adds an extra step to the login process.
How to set up Google Authenticator for WordPress?
To set up Google Authenticator, install a plugin like AIO Login, enable 2FA, and scan the QR code with the Google Authenticator app on your phone. Use the generated code to verify when logging in.