Authy User: Two-Factor Authentication in Tampa

Last year we had the pleasure to speak with Authy user Mark Jaquith of Tampa, Florida, and he agreed to answer a few questions about his digital security habits for us.

AUTHY: Hey Mark. Thanks for taking the time to chat with us. First of all, can you tell us what you do?

For work, I’m on the WordPress core development team. When not working, I am into indoor rock climbing, yoga, and photography. Plus, I have four children, so that fills up a lot of time in between.

AUTHY: Tell us a little more about your work. Does your employer provide and protect the devices you work with?

I’ve been building things on the web since the mid-’90s, and professionally since 2004. Basically, I am a CTO for hire. Currently, I collaborate with people remotely, mostly, and I work in small teams using my own laptops and devices.

AUTHY: Gotcha. What about when you’re not working? What’s your online go-to?

I’m a bit of a news junkie, and Reddit is my guilty pleasure.

AUTHY: So think back to the first instance that made you consider looking into better security online. Did you get hacked?

I had a bunch of friends get hacked in a well-funded and coordinated attack, ultimately targeting someone in our social circle. As a result, we all upgraded our security practices.

AUTHY: Is that what started you using Authy?

No. First I was using Google Authenticator. But people were saying good things about Authy, and I had a bad experience with Google Authenticator that caused me to lose data. I’ve been an Authy user for a little over five years now.

AUTHY: So you use Authy 2FA exclusively, now?

Some sites only have SMS, and Facebook and Google sometimes have in-app solutions. Otherwise, just Authy. I have over a dozen accounts with Authy by now.

AUTHY: Are you using Authy’s multi-device option?

Not yet, I use the iOS version on one device only.

AUTHY: Oh. We like to think of Authy as providing multi-device convenience. Our 2FA tokens automatically sync to any new device you authorize — another phone, a tablet, or a laptop or desktop computer — and they’re all connected. If a device is lost, stolen, or retired, you just have to deauthorize it. Which feature would you like to see that we haven’t launched yet?

It would be great if the app could remember the accounts I use more frequently.

AUTHY: We’re working on some new organization methods, and I’ll add this idea to our user feature request list. By the way, have you had a chance to spread the word about Authy?

I have, and I’ve converted friends, family, and co-workers. It’s a great product — I just wish more people who weren’t tech nerds knew about 2FA and why it is important to their security.

AUTHY: Thanks Mark!