2FA For Seniors

Two-factor authentication is just a fancy way to say "double check." It adds a second step when someone signs in to confirm it's really you. It keeps accounts safer, but the extra step can be confusing when unfamiliar words or processes are involved. One way to reduce confusion is with our selective designs, making them as calm, clear and reliable as possible for older adults.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) means using your password plus a second factor add-on such as a code by text or email, or a prompt on a device. It can be confusing because it's an unusual extra step, but it's important for security. Our seniors may need to authenticate to log in to their health portals to meet with a doctor or order medication, and having troubles could mean going a day without medicine or missing a doctor appointment.

We know 2FA can be confusing, but our seniors have enough background from prior lessons to follow it. We start with simpler flows, like retrieving a code sent by email. Then we introduce slightly more complex prompts, such as matching a number shown on one screen with another. There aren't that many varieties of 2FA, so for this topic, it's effective to teach by example.