- What is an authenticator app?
An authenticator app generates a fresh 6-digit code every 30 seconds. When you log in, you copy that code from the app into Ethos. The code is tied to a secret stored only inside your authenticator app - Ethos never receives or stores it.
- How is an authenticator app different from the SMS code I use today?
SMS OTP: log in → wait for a text → type the 6-digit code from the message.
Authenticator app: log in → open your authenticator app on your desktop or mobile → type the 6-digit code it's already displaying.
- How is it different from a passkey?
Passkey verifies you using your device's biometric or PIN. Authenticator codes are typed in manually. Passkeys are faster, but authenticator apps work on any device and don't need biometric hardware or WebAuthn support.
- Which authenticator apps work with Ethos?
Any app that follows the TOTP standard.
- Mobile: Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, Authy, Duo·
- Desktop and cross-platform: 1Password, Bitwarden, Authy desktop· Browser extensions: 1Password, Bitwarden
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