IBKR Mobile Authentication as a Two-Factor Solution
At IBKR, we are committed to protecting your account through the use of 2-Factor log in protection. With 2-factor protection, account access is provided through use of "Something you Know" (i.e. entry of user name and password combination) along with "Something you Have" (i.e., a tool which generates a random code to be entered after the user name and password). This 2-Factor protection is intended to mitigate the risk of online hackers (who've acquired your password via malware or social engineering) accessing your account.
While IBKR offers multiple 2-Factor options, IBKR Mobile Authentication is generally viewed as the most convenient to access and operate. Outlined below are some of the convenience factors offered by this app.
1. Always Available:
Your smartphone is always with you, as well as your tool to grant you secure access to your IBKR account.
2. Convenient:
No additional devices to carry, track and watch out for. In the event of loss or change of phone, IBKR Client Services can assist you to get the app back up and running at a moment’s notice.
3. Quick Activation:
A couple of minutes within the download of the app, you can already use it to authenticate into your account.
4. No Shipping, Delivery or Return:
No delivery delays, no return of devices with depleted batteries. A quick download suffices.
5. Secure, but quick and No-Hassle Login with our Seamless Authentication:
When logging into the Trading Platforms or the Client Portal, you only need to enter your username and password - IBKR will send you a notification and you will use the IB Key protocol to complete the authentication, via your mobile biometrics or PIN, depending on your configuration.
6. Allows for multiple users to authenticate with the same app:
If you have one security device for your personal IBKR account, one for your joint account with your spouse and one for your business account you will be happy to know that you can activate the same app for all those users (and more).
7. Available for every smartphone, everywhere:
IBKR Mobile can be downloaded from the Apple App Store if you have an iPhone. Android phone users can get the app as usual from the Google Play store. Clients in China can obtain the application on both Baidu and the 360.cn stores.
8. Works even Offline:
Should your phone be offline (e.g. when on vacation or with a bad reception), you can still use IBKR Mobile Authentication. Even though Seamless Authentication won't be accessible, the application can generate the codes you need to access your account and trade.
9. Secure delivery for your Password Reset:
With IBKR Mobile installed and the IB Key authentication activated, you can have the IBKR Client Services send you a temporary password to your phone in a secure way without exposing it through text messages and other means of communication.
10. Small footprint:
IBKR Mobile can be downloaded even on the most restrictive data plans and be installed on your smartphone without hogging resources. The application size and its operational use of resources are limited to the absolute minimum, while not compromising on its security.
For a general overview of IBKR Mobile Authentication including installation, activation and operation, please see KB2260.