FAQ: 2-step authentication

Common user questions that support the 2-step authentication feature and enrollment process.

Enroll in 2-step authentication

What is 2-step authentication?

2-step authentication is when you give Availity permission to send you a code to make sure that the person using your account is actually you.

Why does Availity require 2-step authentication?

2-step authentication provides another checkpoint to validate that people logging in to Availity Essentials are who they say they are. Regulated industries such as health care and banking are increasingly using 2-step authentication for data privacy and security.

Does everyone at my office have to do 2-step authentication?

Every Availity Essentials user is required to enroll in 2-step authentication.

What authenticator app should I install?
A few common authenticator apps are developed by Google™ and Microsoft™ for mobile devices and Authy™ for mobile, desktop, and laptop computers. For security, ensure to only install your authenticator app directly from the developer's website or the Android or Apple application stores.
How does 2-step authentication work?

2-step enrollment requires you to register either a mobile or browser extension-based authenticator app (i.e., Google Authenticator) or a hard token, also known as a security token or authorization token.

The method you choose delivers a code for select situations (such as logging in to the Availity Essentials from a new device).

Tip: If you lose access to your 2-step authentication method, you can enroll in more than one method of delivery for your code.
I have entered my code incorrectly too many times, how do I log in to Availity Essentials?

If you enter the code incorrectly too many times, you will be temporarily locked out of your user account. You will be directed to the Availity login page where you can reset your password. Once your user account is reset, you can log back in to Availity Essentials, and then enter the code to authenticate your user account.

What are backup codes and how should I use my backup codes?

A backup code serves as an alternate or backup method to authenticate your Availity user account to log in to Availity Essentials. Availity recommends that you only use a backup code when you have misplaced the original device you selected when you enrolled in 2-step authentication for the first time.