Applications that allow you to generate and manage OTP codes can be used to support services that require two-factor authentication as an additional security measure during access. In addition to the username and password, in fact, as a second factor (2FA, two-factor authentication) more and more web applications and online services can be configured to require a additional code. This code is dynamically generated on a separate device, such as a smartphone.
Among the most well-known and used applications to generate OTP codes are Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator. The operation is very similar and both can be installed on mobile devices. An application like Authydeveloped under the wing of Twilio, is a bit of a unique because it is among the few that allow the management of OTP codes also from Windows, macOS and Linux systems, therefore not only on smartphones and tablets but also on desktop devices.
Applications and platforms that rely on the Authy API for authenticate users are called upon to inform customers about the need to switch to the “mobile” version of the application no later than August 2024.
Twilio Authy: goodbye to the desktop version
Twilio announces that the desktop Of Authy it will no longer be supported starting from August 2024 and invites users to permanently migrate to the release intended for mobile devices.
As we mentioned earlier, Authy enjoys wide popularity for various reasons. First of all because, in fact, it offers versions for all platforms but also because it gives the opportunity to generate codes offlinesynchronizes data between multiple devices, allows you to conserve encrypted backups to the cloud to restore your account in case of loss.
The developer company motivates the abandonment of Authy desktop by explaining its desire to concentrate efforts and resources on the most important areas. “We want to focus our attention and provide greater value to existing product solutions for which we see growing demand“, Twilio explains in a support document.
Those who use Authy software for desktop systems are therefore encouraged to immediately switch to using the app per Android e iOS, downloadable via Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Users of chip-based systems are an exception Apple Silicon (Apple M1/M2) of ARM derivation: in this case the Authy app will continue to be available and usable even after August 2024.
Enabling the functionality of backup Authy will ensure that the authorization tokens already present in the desktop client are automatically synchronized with the app installations on mobile devices.
Which applications for two-factor authentication (2FA) on desktop as an alternative to Authy
For the benefit of those who can’t or don’t want to install Authy on a mobile device, Twilio even lists a few desktop applications that users can leverage for two-factor authentication: 1Password, KeepassXC, Authenticator, Step Two, and Secrets. Authy does not have a feature export: Those who decide to migrate to another app will therefore first have to disable Authy from each platform on which it is used and then reconfigure the 2FA security feature on the new chosen app.
Users also don’t have to eliminate their own token on Authy before disabling 2FA on the accounts. In fact, we could proceed differently lose access to the accounts themselves, with all that entails.
Twilio is going through a turbulent time: the company recently announced the resignation of its co-founder Jeff Lawson who hands over the baton to Khozema Shipchandler, a long-time manager within the company. Shipchandler is therefore the new CEO from today, after pressure from investors and the contraction in business volume recorded by Twilio.