Two factor authentication debate - app vs SMS

I've been going back and forth on which 2FA method is actually better for everyday accounts. The authenticator app seems more secure since SMS can be intercepted, but I've had two close calls where my phone died and I couldn't get into my email for hours. My buddy Mark says SMS is fine for most people and the app is overkill. My other friend lost her account because she factory reset her phone and forgot to back up her codes. So which way do you guys lean for personal accounts like banking and social media?

3 comments

3 Comments

vera_murphy11d ago

I lean towards authenticator apps but you gotta have a backup plan. I keep my backup codes in a secure note on my phone and also printed out in my wallet. That way if my phone dies or I factory reset I can still get back in.

samwalker8d ago

Wait, have you actually needed those backup codes before?

tarag2811d ago

SMS is actually way more practical for most people... yeah it's not "perfect" security wise but being locked out of your accounts because of a dead battery or lost phone is way more common than some hacker intercepting your texts. Mark has the right idea, authenticator apps add this layer of complexity that just isn't worth it for everyday stuff like social media or even most banking. Plus with SMS you can always just pop your SIM into another phone if yours dies, try doing that with an app that needs the exact device. All those backup codes and printed papers just create more things to lose or forget about, it's a hassle nobody needs.