When setting up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), many services will give you the option to generate backup codes. These are your lifeline if, for any reason, you can’t access your usual 2FA method (like losing your phone or changing devices). While MFA greatly enhances your security, it can become a hassle if you lose access to your second factor—this is where backup codes come into play.
What Are Backup Codes?
Backup codes are a set of one-time use codes provided by a service or platform when you set up MFA. They act as a safety net if you’re ever locked out of your account. Each backup code can typically be used once, and then it becomes invalid.
Why Losing Backup Codes Can Make Life Harder
Imagine this scenario: You lose your phone, and it’s the only device you use for 2FA. Without backup codes, you may find yourself locked out of important accounts with no way to log back in. Resetting your access without these codes can be a long and complicated process, involving identity verification, customer service back-and-forths, and waiting for responses.
Losing backup codes makes recovering access to your accounts much more difficult, which is why keeping them safe is crucial.
Best Practices for Backup Codes
To avoid the stress and inconvenience of losing access to your accounts, follow these best practices for managing backup codes:
1. Write Down or Print Your Backup Codes
- After generating your backup codes, write them down or print them immediately. Keeping a physical copy reduces the risk of losing them due to digital mishaps like a hard drive crash or phone reset.
2. Store Them in a Secure Place
- Once you’ve written down or printed your backup codes, store them in a safe and secure location—think of a safe, a locked drawer, or another place where you keep important documents. It’s essential to store them somewhere you can easily access in an emergency but where they won’t fall into the wrong hands.
3. Don’t Keep Them on Your Phone
- While it may be tempting to store your backup codes on your phone for easy access, this defeats the purpose. If your phone is lost or stolen, you’ll lose both your 2FA method and the backup codes at the same time.
4. Backup Your Backup Codes Digitally (If You Must)
- If you prefer digital backups, consider using a secure encrypted storage option, like a password manager with built-in MFA. This way, the codes are safely stored but not easily accessible without your master password.
