This guide is to help Hostwinds clients enable additional Account Security and instructions for setting this up. This includes Two Factor Authentication (2FA) and your Security Question and is intended for Hostwinds clients who are logged into the Client Area that would like to be able to add these extra security measures quickly and easily.
Two-Factor Authentication
Two-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of protection to logins. Once enabled and configured, each time you sign in you will be asked to enter both your username & password as well as a second factor such as a security code.
How To Enable 2FA
Step One: Click on the greeting, Hello Client! on the upper right side of the page
Step Two: Go to the Security Settings

Step Three: Click the green button that reads Click Here To Enable

Step Four: Click the green Get Started button

Step Five: This authentication option get’s it’s second factor using a time based algorithm. Your mobile phone can be used to generate the codes. If you don’t already have an app that can do this, we recommend Google Authenticator which is available for iOS, Android and Windows mobile devices.
Step Five A: To configure your authenticator app:
Step Five B: Begin by selecting to add a new time based token
Step Five C: Then use your app to scan the barcode below, or alternatively enter the key manually
Step Six: Click the green Confirm button once you have added this to your authenticator
Step Seven: Enter the one time code that gets generated and click on the green Confirm button
Step Eight: Write the backup code down on paper and keep it safe. The backup code will be needed if you ever lose your 2nd factor device or it is unavailable to you for any reason and so that you can use this code to login to your account
Security Question
The security question helps protect your account from unauthorized password resets and allows us to verify your identity when requesting account changes.
If this has been set up previously, you will be requested to answer your previous security question before adding another
How To Add A Security Question
Step One: Choose your Security Question from the drop down list
Step Two: Enter the Answer in the blank text field
Step Three: Enter the Answer again in the next text field ask you to confirm
Related Articles
- Hostwinds Support PIN – We also offer you a Support PIN to use when contacting Hostwinds for limited support
Related Resources
- Multi Factor Authentication – More information is provided by Wikipedia on Multi Factor Authentication including 2FA
If we can help you in any way, please submit a ticket or join us in a Live Chat anytime. We are available 24/7/365 and we are dedicated to our client’s success; every client truly matters to us.