- My agency doesn't allow personal phones - can I still use an authenticator app?
Yes, if your agency allows an authenticator app on the desktop. Use an authenticator (1Password, Bitwarden, Authy desktop) on your work computer, and complete 2FA entirely from your desktop, with no phone needed.
- My agency uses a shared call-center phone number - can I still set up 2FA?
Yes. SMS OTP won't work for you because Ethos requires a unique phone per agent, but the authenticator app and passkey are unaffected. Use either one.
- I work on a shared or office computer - should I set up an authenticator app there?
The authenticator secret lives inside your authenticator app, not on the shared computer. If your authenticator is a password manager that requires its own master password (like 1Password or Bitwarden) and you sign out when you're done, it's safe. If your authenticator is left unlocked and visible to anyone using the machine, treat it like SMS on a shared phone - avoid it.
- What if I prefer to keep my authenticator on a separate personal device - a tablet or a non-SIM phone?
That works too. Scan the QR with your tablet or phone during setup, and use that device whenever you log in. Just remember: if you lose that device, backup codes are your only way back in - keep them saved somewhere safe.
Updated