# Two-Factor Authentication

{% hint style="info" %}
SafeKey provides an extra layer of security for your online accounts by making it impossible for hackers to access your data from a distance and over the internet. It operates as a physical security layer, which is more secure than traditional 2FA methods such as Time-based One-Time Passwords (TOTP) or authenticator apps.
{% endhint %}

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an important security measure that can help protect your online accounts from unauthorized access. It works by requiring you to provide two different forms of authentication in order to verify your identity when you log in to an account. This helps to ensure that the person attempting to access the account is really who they claim to be, and can prevent unauthorized access, such as hacking or phishing attacks.

SafeKey is a hardware security key that can be used as a second factor for 2FA. It uses a technology called Universal 2nd Factor (U2F) to enable 2FA, which eliminates the need to enter a separate code or use a third party app to complete the 2FA process.

Instead, you simply insert your SafeKey into your computer and touch it to authenticate. This is more convenient and secure than any other 2FA method, as it eliminates the need to manually enter a code and reduces the risk of your data being transmitted over the internet.

To use SafeKey for 2FA, you will need to connect it to your online account you want to protect, like Twitter, YouTube, Google, .... Once your SafeKey is linked, you will be able to use it to authenticate whenever you log in to your account. To do so, simply insert your SafeKey into your computer and touch it when asked. This will complete the 2FA process and allow you to log in to your account.

With SafeKey, the shared secret is never transmitted over the internet, eliminating the vulnerability that exists with other 2FA methods.


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.safekey.be/use-cases/two-factor-authentication.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.