What is Multifactor Authentication (MFA)?

What is Multifactor Authentication (MFA)?

When signing into online accounts be it banking apps, social media and or email accounts you are required to prove that you are who you say you are. Previously, we’ve done so through using a username and a password which is not quite safe. Therefore, Multifactor Authentication is added security that is a second verification method to prove who you are.

Multifactor Authenticator is a mandatory login security feature that requires a user to provide an additional step for identity verification before allowing access into your Payfast account. Please note: Existing Payfast accounts currently using Two-Factor Authentication will be automatically added to Multifactor Authentication. This means that these existing Payfast accounts will not be required to enable Multifactor Authentication. They will continue to login using Twilio Authy Authenticator.

How to enable Multifactor Authenticator for your Payfast account?


1. Log in to your Payfast account.

2. A pop-up message will be presented requesting that you enable Multifactor Authenticator.

3. The pop-up message will consist of a link where the Twilio Authy app can be downloaded.

4. Once you’ve clicked on the link, you will be routed to Play Store / App Store for the Twilio Authy app download.

5. After downloading the Twilio Authy app, you will need to go into Twilio Authy app for a quick setup. The setup consists of entering the country code and phone number. You will need to choose a communications method to get your verification code such as WhatsApp message, SMS message or a voice call.

6. You will receive a verification code through the communications method of your choice. After entering the code, the synchronization will be complete.

7. Thereafter, proceed to login onto your Payfast using username and password and then the Multifactor Authentication will pop up requesting that you input the code generated by Twilio Authy App.

8. The code will be presented on your smartphone via the chosen communications method. To download the Twilio Authy app, use one of the links below: · iPhone · Android


How to change mobile number for Multifactor Authentication?

1. Log in to your Payfast account.

2. Navigate to Profile > Account > Security and click Edit.

3. Click the Multi Factor Authentication tab.

4. Enter your new phone number and click Enable.


How do I obtain a Multifactor authentication key to log in with?

There are two ways to obtain an authentication key. If you are using a smartphone, download the Authy app for your iPhone or Android mobile phone. Every time you log in, you will need to generate a secure token using the Authy app. If you don't have a smartphone, you can receive the token via SMS instead.

What happens with multi-factor authentication if I lose my phone or buy a new one?

If you get a new phone, you can reset your phone at: https://www.authy.com/phones/reset.

Please note this does not happen on Payfast's website. This step may be necessary if you change smartphones, in which case your account will already be linked to a specific smartphone.

If you get a new mobile number, you will be required to uninstall the app on your smartphone and re-install it to register the new number.

If you have lost your phone, and need access to our system, then you can contact our support staff on support@payfast.help who will be able to assist you.


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