LastPass Launches 2-Factor Authentication App

Veteran password manager LastPass is helping you elevate your security game with a new two-factor authentication app that makes it easy to better protect your account from unwanted intruders.

Available now for iOS, Android, and coming soon to Windows Phone, the Last Pass Authenticator app generates 6-digit, time-sensitive passcodes, or sends you a push notification for access to your account. As security aficionados know, 2-factor authentication provides an extra layer of security, requiring an additional form of verification like a special code or fingerprint after you enter you enter your password. You can get that code via text message or an authenticator app that generates them.

"We're on a mission to make it simple and convenient for you to follow best practices for protecting your personal information," the company explained in a Wednesday blog post. "With LastPass Authenticator, it's easier than ever for you to turn on two-factor authentication for your LastPass account and other services."

The service is compatible with apps and websites that support Google Authenticator, such as Facebook, Dropbox, Evernote, WordPress, and more.

"That means you can conveniently manage two-factor authentication for multiple services, all from LastPass Authenticator," the company wrote.

To set it up, just download the app then login to LastPass on your desktop or laptop and open your vault. Next, head over to Account Settings and select the option to edit LastPass Authenticator under Multifactor Options, and follow the prompts on your screen. You'll need to scan the barcode on your screen with the Authenticator app to pair the app with your account, then set your preferences, and save the changes.

Once you get it all set up, the next time you login to LastPass or another supported service, you'll need to open the Authenticator app to either generate a 6-digit, 60-second code; approve the automated push notification; or send yourself a code via SMS.

For more, check out PCMag's review of LastPass 4.0 and LastPass 4.0 Premium.

About Our Expert

Angela Moscaritolo

Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

My Experience

I'm PCMag's managing editor for consumer electronics, overseeing an experienced team of analysts covering smart home, home entertainment, wearables, fitness and health tech, and various other product categories. I have been with PCMag for more than 10 years, and in that time have written more than 6,000 articles and reviews for the site. I previously served as an analyst focused on smart home and wearable devices, and before that I was a reporter covering consumer tech news. I'm also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade.

Prior to joining PCMag, I was a reporter for SC Magazine, focusing on hackers and computer security. I earned a BS in journalism from West Virginia University, and started my career writing for newspapers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

The Technology I Use

My little Florida beach bungalow is brimming with smart home tech. I have a smart speaker or display in every room, allowing me to control other connected devices by voice. The Nest Hub on my bedside table lets me set wake-up alarms, control my smart light bulbs, and set the temperature on my smart thermostat. I use the Amazon Echo Show 8 on my kitchen counter to browse recipes, reorder protein powder, check the weather, and watch the news while I do dishes.

Because I suffer from allergies, air purifiers are essential. My favorite model is the Dyson Purifier Cool TP07, which doubles as a fan and continuously sends indoor pollution data to its companion mobile app.

My pitbull Bradley sheds, so a good robot vacuum is a must. I currently use a premium Ecovacs Deebot that can both vacuum and mop, empty its own dustbin, and wash its own mop cloth.

For fitness, I like to mix up my routine with cycling, indoor rowing, running, and strength training in addition to yoga. I take classes on the Tonal 2 smart strength training machine, I row indoors on an Aviron machine, and track my beach runs with an Apple Watch while listening to music on my Apple AirPods Pro. On the weekends, I love riding e-bikes like the rugged, beach-friendly Aventon Aventure for fun and fitness.

My job involves a lot of virtual meetings, so a quality webcam, microphone, and ring light are important. I use the Jabra PanaCast 20 webcam, the Elgato Wave: 3 microphone, and a Yesker tripod ring light.

As for my preferred phone platform, I'm an iPhone person, but I've also extensively used Android for product testing.

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