Real 2-factor security: Why conventional password managers fail

Why 2-factor security is not the same as 2-factor security

2-factor authentication (2FA) is an important part of IT security. But not every 2FA implementation protects equally. Many traditional password managers only use 2FA to log into the cloud, leaving the actual encryption of the password vault unprotected.

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The problems of traditional password managers

2FA doesn't protect the safe

Many traditional password managers (1Password, Dashlane, LastPass,...) offer 2FA, but this does not protect the actual encryption of the vault. The second factor is only used to log in to the cloud, not to access the password vault stored there. As soon as the master password is entered, the vault can be decrypted — regardless of whether 2FA is active.

2FA is often not active by default

Many services require users to manually activate 2FA first. As a result, many users do not use it, making their accounts more vulnerable to attacks.

TOTP codes are vulnerable to phishing

Many password managers use TOTP codes (such as Google Authenticator) as a second factor. These must be entered manually and can be intercepted by phishing.

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2FA must be part of encryption

A secure password manager should not only use the second factor to log in, but should integrate it directly into encrypting the vault. This keeps the vault protected even if an attacker gains access to the account.

Benefits of this approach:

• The second factor is an integral part of encryption. Without it, the safe remains inaccessible.
• 2FA is always active. Users don't have to configure anything; security is guaranteed right from the start.
• Flexible authentication options. Modern methods such as fingerprinting, facial recognition on a smartphone or physical security keys (such as YubiKey) offer secure and convenient use.

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conclusion

Most password managers only use 2FA to log in to the cloud, which does not protect the actual password vault. A truly secure solution integrates 2FA directly into encryption and thus ensures a higher level of security — without additional effort for users.

heylogin follows exactly this approach and thus offers a consistently secure alternative to conventional password managers.

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