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Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring a verification code from your phone in addition to your password.

Comply applies 2FA differently depending on role:

User type2FA status
PlatformAdmin (Ops Portal access)Enforced - every session must complete the 2FA challenge or it is rejected with 403 Forbidden
Admin / AdministratorRecommended - a dismissable banner is shown on the dashboard prompting setup; access is not blocked
All other users (Owner, Accountant, individual business users)Recommended - no banner is shown, but the option is always available in account settings

The strong recommendation is that every user enables 2FA - Comply stores and processes sensitive financial data including VAT returns, transaction records, and business information. But day-to-day app access is not gated on a 2FA challenge for ordinary users today.

2FA for the Ops Portal (PlatformAdmin)​

The Ops Portal is the platform-administration interface used by PlatformAdmin operators. Because PlatformAdmins have platform-wide privileges - including the ability to manage all businesses and trigger emergency controls - 2FA is an enforced prerequisite for every Ops Portal session.

Access is controlled by the RequirePlatformAdmin policy, which validates both the PlatformAdmin role and a completed 2FA challenge before granting entry. If either check fails - including when a PlatformAdmin has not completed 2FA for their current session - the request is rejected with 403 Forbidden.

warning

PlatformAdmin accounts without 2FA configured cannot access the Ops Portal. If you need to set up or reset 2FA for a PlatformAdmin account, contact your security team or raise a request through your organisation's IT helpdesk.

Setting Up 2FA​

How to enable​

Navigate to /Account/TwoFactorSetup (or open your profile menu and choose Two-Factor Authentication). The setup page walks you through:

  1. Download an authenticator app on your phone - see Supported Authenticator Apps below.
  2. Scan the QR code shown on screen with the app, or enter the manual secret key if you cannot scan.
  3. Enter the 6-digit verification code that the authenticator app generates to confirm pairing.
  4. Save your backup codes (see Backup Codes below) in a secure location before continuing.

After setup, the next time you log in you will be asked for a 6-digit code in addition to your password.

Supported Authenticator Apps​

Comply supports TOTP (Time-based One-Time Passwords) only. Any TOTP-compatible authenticator app works. Apps Comply explicitly tests against:

  • Google Authenticator (Android / iOS)
  • Microsoft Authenticator (Android / iOS)
  • Authy (Android / iOS / Desktop)
  • 1Password (Android / iOS / Desktop)

SMS-based or hardware-token 2FA is not supported.

Logging In with 2FA​

If you have 2FA enabled:

  1. Enter your email and password as usual
  2. When prompted, open your authenticator app
  3. Enter the current 6-digit code
  4. Click Verify
tip

Codes refresh every 30 seconds. If your code is about to expire, wait for the next one.

Backup Codes​

During 2FA setup, Comply generates 10 single-use backup codes in the format XXXX-XXXX. These are for emergency access if you lose your phone.

Important:

  • Each backup code can only be used once
  • Store them securely (password manager, printed copy in a safe)
  • The setup page offers a one-click download of the codes as a text file - save it somewhere you can find later
  • If you run out of backup codes, you can regenerate a fresh set from the 2FA settings (this invalidates the prior set)
  • If you lose access to all backup codes AND your authenticator, contact support

Managing 2FA​

Resetting 2FA​

To switch authenticator apps (e.g. moving from Google Authenticator to 1Password):

  1. Go to Account Settings → Two-Factor Authentication
  2. Choose Reset 2FA
  3. Re-enter your password to confirm
  4. Step through the setup flow again with the new authenticator

Disabling 2FA​

You can disable 2FA from the same settings panel. Doing so requires re-entering your password. The backup codes are invalidated when you disable.

Lost Access​

If you've lost both your phone and your backup codes:

  1. Contact support@digitalcarib.com
  2. You'll need to verify your identity through an out-of-band channel
  3. An administrator can reset your 2FA

Next Steps​

  • Account settings - manage your profile, password, and 2FA configuration
  • Security overview - broader security posture (IP blocking, fraud alerts, role-based access)