Enhanced Security for Your Aviation Journey: Two-Factor Authentication Now Available

Meta Description: Airport Code Quest now offers two-factor authentication to protect your pilot account. Learn how to enable 2FA and secure your flight logs today.

Suggested Slug: enhanced-security-two-factor-authentication-now-available

Introduction

We're excited to announce a major security enhancement to Airport Code Quest: Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is now available for all pilots! In today's digital landscape, protecting your aviation data is more important than ever. Whether you're tracking hundreds of airport visits or competing for leaderboard positions, you deserve peace of mind knowing your account is secure.

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection beyond your password, making it significantly harder for unauthorized users to access your account—even if they somehow obtain your password. This industry-standard security feature is now available to all Airport Code Quest pilots.

What is Two-Factor Authentication?

Two-factor authentication (also known as 2FA or multi-factor authentication) is a security method that requires two different forms of verification before granting access to your account:

Something you know - Your password
Something you have - A time-based code from your smartphone

Even if someone discovers your password, they won't be able to access your account without the second factor—a unique, time-sensitive code generated by an authenticator app on your device.

Why We Added 2FA to Airport Code Quest

Your aviation data matters. Your flight logs, airport visits, quest progress, and achievements represent countless hours in the air and miles traveled. We built 2FA into Airport Code Quest to:

Protect your flight history - Keep your aviation records secure and private
Secure leaderboard positions - Prevent unauthorized access that could affect your competitive standings
Safeguard personal information - Protect sensitive data like your email and profile details
Meet industry standards - Align with modern security best practices used by banking, aviation, and other critical industries

How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Setting up 2FA takes just a few minutes. Here's the complete step-by-step process:

Step 1: Choose Your Authenticator App

Before you begin, you'll need an authenticator app installed on your smartphone. We recommend:

Google Authenticator (iOS/Android) - Simple and reliable
Microsoft Authenticator (iOS/Android) - Feature-rich with cloud backup
Authy (iOS/Android) - Supports multiple devices
1Password (iOS/Android) - Integrated with password manager

All of these apps are free and generate the same type of time-based codes that work with Airport Code Quest.

Step 2: Navigate to Security Settings

Log in to your Airport Code Quest account
Click on your profile in the top-right corner
Select "Edit Profile" from the dropdown menu

Step 3: Enable Two-Factor Authentication

On the Profile page, locate the "Two-Factor Authentication" section
Click the "Enable 2FA" button
You'll be presented with a QR code on your screen

Step 4: Scan the QR Code

Open your authenticator app on your smartphone
Tap the "+" or "Add" button (usually in the top-right corner)
Select "Scan QR Code"
Point your camera at the QR code on your computer screen
The app will automatically add Airport Code Quest to your accounts

Alternative: Can't scan the QR code? No problem! Click "Can't scan?" and manually enter the provided code into your authenticator app.

Step 5: Verify and Save Backup Codes

Enter the 6-digit code displayed in your authenticator app
Click "Verify and Enable"
Important: You'll now see a list of backup codes—save these somewhere safe!
Download or print your backup codes and store them securely

Why backup codes matter: If you lose your phone or can't access your authenticator app, backup codes are your safety net. Each code can be used once to access your account. Store them in a password manager, safe deposit box, or another secure location.

Using 2FA to Log In

Once 2FA is enabled, your login process includes one additional step:

Navigate to Airport Code Quest and click "Sign In"
Enter your email and password as usual
Click "Sign In"
You'll be redirected to the 2FA verification page
Open your authenticator app and find the 6-digit code for Airport Code Quest
Enter the code (you have 30 seconds before it expires)
Click "Verify" to access your account

Pro tip: The code refreshes every 30 seconds. If you see the timer is almost up, wait for the next code to avoid timing issues.

What If I Lose My Phone?

On the 2FA verification screen, click "Use a backup code"

Enter one of the backup codes you saved during setup
You'll be logged in and can then disable 2FA or reconfigure it

Managing Your 2FA Settings

After enabling 2FA, you can manage it from your profile:

Regenerate backup codes - Create new codes if you've used several or lost the originals
Disable 2FA - Turn off two-factor authentication (requires your password)

We recommend keeping 2FA enabled for maximum security, but you're always in control.

Best Practices for 2FA Security

To get the most protection from two-factor authentication:

✓ Store backup codes securely - Use a password manager or physical safe
✓ Don't share codes - Never give your 2FA codes to anyone, including support staff
✓ Update your recovery email - Ensure your account email is current and secure
✓ Use a unique password - Combine 2FA with a strong, unique password
✓ Enable cloud backup - Some authenticator apps offer encrypted cloud backup
✓ Review regularly - Check your Security settings periodically

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is 2FA required? A: No, 2FA is optional but strongly recommended for all accounts.

Q: Will 2FA slow down my login? A: It adds about 5-10 seconds to your login, but the security benefit far outweighs this minor inconvenience.

Q: Can I use SMS codes instead of an app? A: Currently, we only support authenticator apps, which are more secure than SMS-based 2FA.

Q: Can I enable 2FA on multiple devices? A: Your authenticator app can be configured on multiple devices, but each must scan the same QR code during setup.

Conclusion

Security doesn't have to be complicated. With two-factor authentication, you can protect years of flight history and aviation data with just a few minutes of setup. We encourage all pilots to enable 2FA today and fly with confidence knowing your account is protected by industry-leading security.

Ready to secure your account? Head to your Account Settings and enable Two-Factor Authentication now. Your future self will thank you.

Safe skies and secure flying!