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Comparing 2FA methods and recommended use

Two‑factor authentication (2FA) makes it much harder for attackers to break into your MYOB account, even if they get hold of your password. There are three ways you can get your two-factor authentication (2FA) codes:

  • via an authenticator app (recommended) on a mobile device (phone, tablet, etc.) – your 2FA code displays in the app

  • via SMS (recommended as a backup method) your 2FA code is sent to your mobile phone via text message

  • via email (not recommended) – the code is sent to the email address linked to your MYOB account. Only available if you set it up when you first set up 2FA.

Set up multiple 2FA methods for more options

When you set up more than one 2FA method (for example, app + SMS), you also have options if one isn’t available. This helps you avoid getting locked out of your account.

For the strongest protection, we recommend using an authenticator app as your main 2FA method, with SMS as your backup. Email 2FA is our least secure option and is only there if you can’t use app or SMS, and over time we’ll be moving away from it.

Compare 2FA methods

2FA Method

App
(authenticator app – recommended)

SMS
(text message – recommended backup)

Email
(not recommended)

Security level

High – codes stay on your device, hard to intercept

Medium – safer than email

Low – inboxes are easy targets for scams

How codes are delivered

Generated in‑app, never sent by SMS or email

Sent as text messages over the mobile network

Sent over the internet to your email inbox

Works without internet

Yes – app generates codes offline

Yes –needs mobile reception

No – needs internet and inbox access

Works overseas

Yes – works anywhere once set up

Yes – if your mobile plan supports international SMS

Yes – if you’re online and can reach email

What you need

A smartphone or tablet with an authenticator app

A mobile that can receive texts

Access to your MYOB sign‑in email and internet

Supports account recovery

Yes – works with SMS and a recovery code for more options

Yes – keep your number and codes follow you to new devices

Limited – if your email is hacked, attackers may get your codes

Availability

Available to all MYOB users

Available to all MYOB users

Only for users who chose it when first setting up 2FA – can’t be added later

Ease of use

You just need your device to use it

Quick and familiar as it uses text messages

Easy to use, but emails can get lost in spam folders

Recommended use

As your main 2FA method

As a secondary method or backup

Use only if you can’t use app or SMS

You can also save a single‑use recovery code as an extra backup if you ever lose access to your usual 2FA method.