TL;DR
Your Authy backup is secured by your password and the encryption key derived from your device. It’s not just your password. However, a strong password and enabling Authy’s own two-factor authentication are crucial for maximum security.
Understanding Authy Backups
Authy allows you to create backups of your 2FA accounts. These backups aren’t stored in plain text; they’re encrypted. This means someone getting hold of the backup file alone can’t access your accounts. Here’s how it works:
- Encryption Key: Authy uses a key generated from your password and device-specific information to encrypt the backup data.
- Password Dependency: You need your password to decrypt and restore the backup.
- Device Lock: The encryption key is tied to the specific device where you created the backup. Restoring on a different device requires additional verification.
Step-by-Step Security Check
- Check Your Password Strength:
- Use a password manager to generate and store a strong, unique password for Authy. Avoid reusing passwords.
- Consider using a passphrase instead of a traditional password – longer is better!
- Enable Authy Two-Factor Authentication:
Authy itself offers two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds an extra layer of security to your account. This is highly recommended.
- Open the Authy app on your phone.
- Go to Settings > Security.
- Enable ‘Two-Factor Authentication’. Follow the on-screen instructions. You’ll likely be asked to scan a QR code with another authenticator app or use an SMS verification code.
- Secure Your Backup File:
- Storage Location: Store your backup file in a secure location, such as an encrypted hard drive, cloud storage service with 2FA enabled (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox), or a USB drive kept in a safe place.
- Avoid Email: Never store your Authy backup in email – it’s too easily compromised.
- Regular Backups:
- Create regular backups of your Authy accounts, especially after adding new accounts or changing devices.
- Test Your Backup (Periodically):
Occasionally test restoring from your backup on a separate device to ensure it works correctly and you remember your password.
What if I lose my phone?
If you lose your phone, you’ll need your Authy password to restore your accounts. If you’ve enabled Authy 2FA, you’ll also need the code from that authenticator app. Without both, recovering access can be difficult.
What if I forget my Authy Password?
Authy provides a password recovery process. However, it relies on your registered email address and may involve verification steps. If you lose access to your email as well, account recovery becomes significantly harder.