Authy is a popular app for storing and managing two-factor codes. It is a cloud-based service that gives you convenience with industry-grade security. Unfortunately, it is not open-source.
Would you consider using a more straightforward (and open-source) authenticator app on your Linux desktop?
Well, of course, you cannot cloud sync here. But you can generate a backup for the two-factor authentication codes. Keeping that in mind, let me tell you more about Authenticator.
Authenticator: Generate Two-Factor Authentication Codes
When you enable two-factor authentication with online services, most services give you a token/QR code that you can add/scan to generate codes.
Authenticator is one such app for Linux that lets you add two-factor authentication codes.
It is a free and open-source app with essential features to add a variety of tokens and websites that support two-factor authentication.
Recommended Read: Best Password Managers for Linux Desktop
Features of Authenticator
Some of the essential options that you get with it include:
- QR Code scanner using a camera or a screenshot
- Protect the app using a passphrase
- Autolock the app
- Support for different algorithms (SHA-1/SHA-256/SHA-512)
- Time-based/Counter-based/Steam computing methods supported
- Backup/Restore options (FreeOTP, Aegis, andOTP, Bitwarden, and Google Authenticator)
You get customization options and the ability to add a custom provider as per the support provided by the service. One can add a custom icon for the provider to help you distinguish between the authentication codes.
For the most part, the default settings should work with websites. However, you might want to check the exact details with the provider if it does not work.
The app also features multiple providers out of the box, like Google Drive and Proton Mail. So, you do not need to add custom configurations for every entry you add.
Installing Authenticator on Linux
Authenticator is available as a Flatpak. So, you can install it on any Linux distribution.
Just type in the following command to get it installed:
flatpak install flathub com.belmoussaoui.AuthenticatorYou can head to its Flathub or GitLab page to explore more.
If you are new to the Linux world, refer to our Flatpak guide to set it up. Your software center might already have Flatpak integration enabled out of the box. You can search for it to get it installed in such a case.
Use Open Source Authenticator App For Security and Reliability
We often depend on cloud-powered tools for everything. Sure, it is convenient.
However, sometimes desktop apps are more helpful. If you are in the same boat and thinking of making a switch, Authenticator can be an excellent app to have installed for two-factor authentication codes.
