---
title: What is Two-Factor Authentication or MFA?
description: Two-factor authentication keeps your account more secure by adding an extra layer of protection. Here is information to understand 2FA better.
---

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# What is Two-Factor Authentication or MFA?

## Two-factor authentication keeps your account more secure by adding an extra layer of protection. Here is information to understand 2FA better.

*Updated: March 2024*

| ![2FA_Image](https://help.thankyoupayroll.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/KnowledgeBase/screensteps/LoginExperience/2FA_Image.png?width=688&height=497&name=2FA_Image.png) | When you log in to your account with your username and password, this is the first level of security to say that you are really you. If you only use a username and password, you are using what is called 'single-factor authentication'. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner encourages all businesses to use two-factor authentication in the least as a reasonable step to protect the personal data they hold. |
| --- | --- |

 \*To read more on this recommendation,[follow this link to the Privacy Commissioner's website](https://www.privacy.org.nz/publications/statements-media-releases/office-of-the-privacy-commissioner-encourages-two-factor-authentication-in-war-on-cybercrime/).

At Thankyou Payroll, two-factor authentication is turned on by default to keep your data more secure. 

### What is two-factor authentication?

Two-factor authentication, also called 2FA or MFA is where you provide your username and password in the first instance, **and then something else** in the second place to prove that you are really you logging in.

What can be used as 2FA?

2FA can use different forms of identification in combination:

- Something you know, that you can enter to say that it is really you: 
    - e.g. answers to security questions the Customer Support team asks to verify that you are authorised on the account

- Something you have, that you can use to identify yourself by:  
    - e.g. an email sent to your email address with a code you have to enter on the login screen
- Something you are, that the device can read to say that it is really you: 
    - At Thankyou Payroll, we do not use fingerprints, voice recognition or facial recognition to verify your identity.

[Here is a useful link explaining two-factor authentication and why this matters](https://www.ownyouronline.govt.nz/personal/get-protected/guides/use-two-factor-authentication-to-protect-your-accounts/).

---

### I'm not getting my 2FA email.

If you are not receiving your 2FA email, there could be settings on your end redirecting the email somewhere else. Let's check this quickly:

- Check your email 'Spam' folder. The email could have landed in there.
- Are we marked as a safe sender in your email list? The email will come from help@thankyoupayroll.co.nz
- Is your internet browser up to date? Have you tried logging in with a different browser?
- Have you tried logging in using your Google, Microsoft or Xero accounts?

| ![Info - Blue Block (1)](https://help.thankyoupayroll.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/KnowledgeBase/CalloutIcons/Info%20-%20Blue%20Block%20(1).png?width=52&height=52&name=Info%20-%20Blue%20Block%20(1).png)   | If you are loading pays for today and can't log in, please phone the Customer Support Team on 04 488 7231. If you are logging in to perform payroll maintenance, reach out in an email and we will get in touch. [help@thankyoupayroll.co.nz](mailto:help@thankyoupayroll.co.nz) |
| --- | --- |

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