Multifactor authentication

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It is highly recommended that you use multifactor authentication with your IBMid account.  In fact, some applications that ask for your IBMid require multifactor authentication.  For your second factor method, you can choose either the IBM Verify App, the Google Authenticator App, or Email.

Manage multifactor authentication from your Profile

  1. Log in to your Profile with your credentials.
    Options from main menu
  2. Enable or disable two-step authentication via the on/off toggle button.
    Options from security dialog
  3. If multifactor authentication is turned on via the on/off toggle button, the following information is displayed. To add or delete current multifactor authentication methods, select the icon following Manage your verification methods.
    Options from security dialog

Available methods for multifactor authentication

IBM Verify App
This is an enrolled factor that uses the IBM Verify app (located in both iOS and Android app stores) to support push notifications. When you select approve, access will be granted.
Authenticator app (time-based one-time password)
A randomly generated code is provided in the authenticator app. This method can be configured with IBM Verify, Duo, Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, and other apps following this standard.
Email one-time passcode
A one-time code is sent to your email address.

Initial multifactor authentication enrollment

  1. You are presented with the screen, select Get started.
    Method screen
  2. Choose a method by selecting the link next to the authentication method of your choice.
    Select the method for authentication

  3. Follow the instructions on the screens to enroll in your selected method.

Deleting multifactor authentication methods

  1. Login to User Service Center with your credentials.
  2. Select the three dots on the right side of the method to delete and then select Disable device.
Important: Turning on the security toggle enables your account to be challenged for multifactor authentication, even if the application has different multifactor authentication settings. If the toggle is turned off, the multifactor authentication depends on specific application settings. Set up more than one multifactor authentication method in case you lose access to one of the enabled multifactor authentications.