Zoom adds two-factor authentication

Many of us have come to rely on Zoom video calls as a way of interacting with friends and family safely during the pandemic. However, Zoom accounts could be more secure, and they are becoming more so today with the introduction of two-factor authentication (2FA) for all accounts.

Zoom views 2FA as offering a number of benefits beyond just more security. For organizations in particular, Zoom says it allows for enhanced compliance, easier credential management, and reduced costs. Because the 2FA feature is free, Zoom thinks it will be of particular benefit to schools who rely on its video service for teaching remotely. Before now they'd have to pay for a separate single sign-on service.

The additional layer of security can come from one of three sources. The first is an authentication app such as Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or FreeOTP. Alternatively, a one-time code can be sent via SMS text message or a phone call.

In order to use 2FA it needs to be enabled for an account. This can be done by signing into the Zoom Dashboard. Navigate to Advanced > Security in the menu and toggle the "Sign in with Two-Factor Authentication" option on. Three options will then be available: all users, users with specific roles, and users belonging to a specific group. Select the most appropriate for your use case, then click "Save" to confirm the new settings. After that, a code will be required as a second form of identification for anyone signing into that Zoom account.