How To Set Up Two-Factor Authentication For Secure Server Access

Securing server access is one of the key concerns for both business entities and individuals who are in charge of critical data. Employing Two-Factor Authentication(2FA) increases security by adding another protective layer against unauthorized logins.

A VPS server by Liquid Web, a hosting provider that is not just trustworthy but also comes with 2FA along with other robust security features, will protect your data and make you feel safe.

If you are here to learn how to set up two-factor authentication for secure server access, be sure to give this article a read.

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Why Two-Factor Authentication Is Essential

The passwords by themselves are not capable of offering the highest level of protection against cyber threats. Criminals can apply various techniques such as brute force attacks, phishing scams, or credential stuffing to break through defenses and established security.

2FA has an extra security level, which means that apart from their credentials, users also have to confirm their identity by presenting something they have, such as a mobile device.

Steps To Set Up Two-Factor Authentication On A Vps Server

1. Enable 2FA in Your Server’s Authentication Settings

Most hosting providers have built-in 2FA options for their Virtual Private Servers (VPS) dashboard as a feature. Start it:

Log in to your hosting control panel or server management interface.
Look through the security settings.
Activate Two-Factor Authentication and set your preferred authentication approach.

2. Choose An Authentication Method

There are various 2FA methods to choose from:

Authenticator Apps: Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, and Authy are apps that create one-time codes.
SMS-Based Authentication: A user receives a verification code via text message.
Hardware Security Keys: Devices like YubiKey come with a unique code generator.

3. Install And Configure An Authenticator App

For a more secure way, use the authenticator app instead of SMS-based verification:

Download an authenticator app from your mobile device by going to the app store.
Scan the QR code of your VPS server’s 2FA setup that you find on the screen or in the email you have been sent.
Enter the generated code to confirm the setting.

4. Update SSH And Remote Access Security

When dealing with VPS servers that are based on Linux, 2FA with SSH will become the standard of security if the feature is configured correctly:

Install the Google Authenticator on your server and set it up with: sudo apt install libpam-google-authenticator
Execute the following command to start the 2FA setup: google-authenticator
Answer the questions (which will secure your account) and then save the QR code in a secure place.
Safeguard the safety of the SSH service by defining 2FA within the PAM configuration: sudo nano /etc/pam.d/sshd

5. Test And Backup Your 2FA Setup

After configuring 2FA:

Check the login attempts to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
Keep your backup codes in a secure place and have them ready in case you ever lose access to your authentication device.

Final Thoughts

Two-factor authentication is the best way to protect a server from unauthorized access. With a VPS server, 2FA is also built-in, which improves security. With the development of 2FA, you become more resistant to cyber threats and, simultaneously, manage to keep your web hosting environment in a secure state.