How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentification

Introduction

You can set up two-factor authentification with an Android or iPhone mobile app (such as Google Authenticator) by logging into the member area at my.planethoster.com. This will increase the security of your access.

This article describes:

• the steps to enable two-factor authentification (TFA) for your account;
• the approach for logging in to the member area when two-factor authentification has been enabled;
• how to disable the two-factor authentification; and
• what to do if you lose or break your mobile device where the QR code (or secret key) is stored:
  • to avoid locking yourself out; or
  • if you are locked out, to ask PlanetHoster to remove the protection (fees apply in accordance with the Terms of Use).

Note : The PlanetHoster Glossary contains explanations on multiple topics and can be consulted to clarify certain terms.

Prerequisites

Enter the following address in your web browser : https://my.planethoster.com.

Procedure to Enable TFA

Here we explain how to set up your account to enable two-factor authentification, which will then be required each time you access the member area.

Enabling two-factor authentification is a two-step process:

• Step 1: Install the two-factor authentification app.
• Step 2: Enable two-factor authentification in your account.

Step 1 — Installation of TFA Application

First and foremost, ensure that the two-factor authentification app is installed on your mobile device.

Although our interfaces only refer to Google Authenticator, other two-factor authentification applications can be used.

Below is a list of some applications and links to the installation interface:

Application	Link for installation
Google Authenticator	https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.authenticator2&hl=en&gl=US
Authy	https://authy.com/
andOTP	https://github.com/andOTP/andOTP
LastPass Authenticator	https://www.lastpass.com/solutions/authentication
Microsoft Authenticator	https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/mobile-authenticator-app

Google Authenticator Installation

You can install the Google Authenticator app as follows:

1. Go to My Account – > Security and click on the Access Restrictions button:

2. Click on the Two-Factor Authentification tab and click on the GET IT ON Google Play or Download on the App Store buttons, as appropriate:

Step 2 — Enable TFA

At this stage, you must scan a QR code displayed in the Client Area and save it in the two-factor authentification app on your mobile device. If you are unable to scan the QR code, you will need to use a secret key.

It is crucial to keep in a safe place the QR code image or secret key, as applicable. This prevents a situation where you would no longer be able to log in to the my.planethoster.com member area if you lost or broke your mobile device.

Approach With a QR Code

Open the authentification app on your mobile phone and indicate that you are about to scan a QR code.

Then:

1. Go to My Account – > Security and click on the Access Restrictions button:

2. On the Two-Factor Authentification screen, scan with your mobile phone the QR Code associated with your PlanetHoster email:

• You can also click on the Download button (an enlarged image of the QR code will then appear):

3. Take note of the random code generated by the application, enter it in the Authentificator Code field, and click on the Activate button:

4. If the code entered is valid, you have activated the double authentification.
5. It is very important to immediately save a backup copy of your QR code:
   • click on the Download button;
   • save the high-resolution screenshot (we recommend .jpg format);
   • keep it safe in your computer files. Better still, make sure you print it out too.

Approach With A Configuration Key

Open the TFA app on your mobile phone and indicate that you are about to enter a configuration key.

Then:

1. Go to My Account – > Security and click on the Access Restrictions button.
2. On the Two-Factor Authentification screen, click the Secret Key button:

3. The key will then appear on the screen under Copy Secret Key:

4. In the app on your mobile phone, enter the account information, i.e., the account name (your username) and your secret key.
5. Make a note of the random code generated by the app, enter it in the Authentificator Code field, and click on the Activate button:

6. If the code you entered is valid, you have enabled two-factor authentification.
7. It is very important to keep a backup copy of your secret key in your computer files, as you could block access to your account if you lose your phone. Better yet, make sure to print it out as well.

Login with Two-Factor Authentification

1. Access the member’s area at https://my.planethoster.com.
2. Provide your login details.
3. A window will then appear asking you to enter in the Enter Code field the random code generated by your two-factor authentification app:

4. Click on the Login button.

Disabling The 2FA Application

Sometimes, it may be necessary to disable the application for a given account.

To do so:

1. Go to My Account – > Security and click on the Access Restrictions button.
2. Click on the Disable button:

What Should I Do If My Mobile Device Is Lost Or Broken?

The loss or damage of the mobile device where the QR code (or secret key) is stored may result in a situation where the user locks himself out.

• To avoid this, please refer to the section Scenario With Screenshot Of QR Code Or Secret Key Available.
• If this is not possible, please refer to the section Scenario In Case Of Lockout.

Scenario With Screenshot Of QR Code Or Secret Key Available

If you have a screenshot of your QR code or have written down the secret key, you won’t lock yourself out by following these steps carefully:

1. Download the authentification app to your new mobile device.
2. Retrieve the saved screenshot of the QR code or take note of the access key you wrote down, as applicable.
3. Open the app on your mobile phone and indicate that you are ready to scan the QR code (or enter a configuration key).
4. Scan the QR code on the screenshot (or provide the account information, i.e., the account name—your username—and your secret key).
5. You will automatically retrieve the random codes corresponding to this account and will be able to log in.

Scenario In Case Of Lockout

If you lock yourself out due to the loss or damage of the device where the QR code or secret key is stored, you can of course ask PlanetHoster support to remove the protection.

The fees for unlocking an account are detailed in our Terms and Conditions.

The steps to unlock the account are as follows:

1. Contact PlanetHoster support (please refer to the article How to Create Tickets).
2. Confirm your identity by forwarding two valid pieces of identification, one with a photo.
   • The name on the ID must match the name in the client area.
   • Payment by credit card is an additional form of identity verification.

Note : If you are concerned about submitting your identification, you can scan it into a password-protected PDF document and call us to provide the password.