Beyond passwords: The benefits of two-factor authentication for website owners

If you have a website, you are responsible for safeguarding your data and that of your users and customers. While passwords are a traditional first line of defense, they’re often inadequate on their own.

With increasing reports of data breaches and growing privacy concerns, security has become a differentiating factor for many businesses. A focus on security signals to your users that you take the protection of their data seriously. That’s why going beyond passwords with two-factor authentication (2FA) can be an important part of your security strategy.

Let’s take a closer look at what 2FA is and why you should adopt it.

Understanding the basics: What are MFA and 2FA?

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) requires two or more verification factors from users trying to access a resource like a website, application, or online account. Rather than just asking for something you know (like a password), MFA also requires a response from you via an alternate communications channel, or biometrics, or perhaps some physical device like a security key.

2FA is the most common form of MFA, requiring exactly two different verification factors. The most common approaches begin with a password and then a secondary confirmation, often using one of:

• A code sent by SMS text
• A code sent by email
• A code displayed in an authenticator application
• Biometric data using a fingerprint or face recognition
• A physical device, like a USB-based security key

Kinsta customers can choose to use email or an authenticator application like Google Authenticator or Authy as their second authentication method after enabling 2FA to access their MyKinsta dashboards.

By implementing this additional layer of security, the risk of unauthorized access is reduced, even if a password is compromised.

The problem with password-only authentication

Passwords have been the primary method of authentication since the dawn of computing. However, they’ve become increasingly vulnerable for several reasons:

Password reuse and weak practices

Despite repeated warnings, users continue to practice poor password hygiene:

• Using simple, easily guessable passwords
• Reusing the same password across multiple sites
• Rarely changing passwords
• Writing down passwords in accessible locations

Researchers at the Ponemon Institute have found that even IT security professionals often use the same passwords across work and personal accounts, creating a dangerous domino effect when one account is compromised.

Data breaches and credential stuffing

High-profile data breaches have exposed billions of credentials. Hackers use these leaked username and password combinations in “credential stuffing” attacks, automatically trying them across multiple websites.

In 2024, Wordfence blocked over 55 billion password hacking attempts, according to the latest Vulnerability and Threat Report (PDF) from that WordPress security plugin maker. These attacks target WordPress login pages for credential stuffing, as well as brute force attacks and other password-related exploits.

Real-world examples of password vulnerabilities

The Dropbox breach: In 2016, Dropbox confirmed a four-year-old breach that exposed the credentials of over 68 million users. The attack resulted from a stolen employee password that gave hackers access to a project document containing user credentials.

WordPress VIP Go platform attack: In 2019, WordPress VIP Go platform experienced a significant attack where hackers attempted to use stolen credentials to access administrative accounts. WordPress.com VIP was forced to reset all passwords and require 2FA implementation for all users.

The critical role of 2FA for web hosting control panels

Your WordPress site is only as secure as the hosting environment in which it lives. Web hosting control panels like cPanel, Plesk — or our own MyKinsta dashboard — are prime targets for attackers because they offer comprehensive access to all your websites and domains.

Why securing control panel access should be non-negotiable

When an attacker gains access to your hosting control panel, they can:

• Access and modify all website files
• Create or delete email accounts
• Install malicious scripts
• Add backdoors to your websites
• Download complete databases containing sensitive user information
• Redirect your domain to malicious sites
• Use your server for phishing campaigns or to distribute malware

Many major hosting providers have reported increasing attempts to breach cPanel accounts specifically. In 2022, Hostinger documented a 43% increase in attempted unauthorized access to customer control panels compared to the previous year.

Implementing 2FA on your hosting account

Most reputable hosting providers now offer built-in 2FA options for their control panels:

• MyKinsta: Our dashboard supports 2FA for all users via email or authentication apps like Google Authenticator and Authy.
• cPanel: cPanel offers native 2FA with support for authentication apps and hardware security keys.
• Plesk: Plesk provides two-factor authentication through the Plesk extension.

Other major hosting providers:

• Bluehost offers 2FA via Google Authenticator
• SiteGround features proprietary 2FA through its Site Tools
• WP Engine includes 2FA protection for all user portal logins

If your hosting provider doesn’t offer MFA protection for control panel access, this should be considered a significant security red flag, potentially warranting a change in hosting providers.

Benefits of implementing 2FA for WordPress site management

Here are four good reasons to adopt 2FA as part of your security protocols:

1. Dramatically reduced risk of unauthorized access

With 2FA enabled, even if an attacker has your password, they still need the second factor (typically your smartphone) to gain access. According to Microsoft, accounts protected by MFA block 99.9% of automated attacks.

2. Protection against phishing attacks

Phishing attacks may trick users into revealing passwords, but most 2FA methods are resistant to these attacks since the second factor is constantly changing or physically separate.

3. Compliance with industry standards

Many industries have regulations requiring stronger authentication for systems handling sensitive data:

• PCI DSS for e-commerce sites processing credit cards
• HIPAA for healthcare-related information
• GDPR and other privacy regulations that require appropriate security measures

4. Improved customer trust

Displaying that your site uses advanced security measures like 2FA helps build customer confidence, especially for e-commerce sites or membership platforms where users share personal information.

Adding 2FA to your WordPress websites

Above, we were talking about 2FA for your own access to web properties from third-party control panels like the MyKinsta dashboard. But access to each WordPress site — particularly to administrators — is also worthy of enhanced security.

Implementing 2FA on a WordPress site is usually straightforward, thanks to numerous purpose-built plugins. We have a deeper dive into 2FA WordPress tips and plugins, but here are some of the most popular and effective add-ons

Top WordPress 2FA plugins

You can really take control of 2FA on the WordPress side with plugins like these:

1. Two-Factor

This free plugin is developed and maintained by the WordPress.org team, making it a highly trusted option.

Key Features:

• Support for multiple 2FA methods (authenticator apps, email, backup codes)
• Simple setup process
• Regular updates and compatibility testing
• Minimal performance impact

Best For: Sites looking for a no-frills, reliable solution backed by the WordPress core team.

2. Wordfence Security

Wordfence is a comprehensive security plugin that includes 2FA among its many features.

Key Features:

• Cellphone sign-in (2FA via SMS)
• TOTP (Time-based One-Time Password) authentication
• Integration with a complete security suite, including firewall and malware scanning
• Detailed login attempt logs

Best For: Sites wanting 2FA as part of a broader security solution.

3. miniOrange 2-Factor Authentication

A feature-rich 2FA plugin offering numerous authentication methods.

Key Features:

• Multiple authentication methods (Google Authenticator, SMS, email, hardware tokens)
• Role-based 2FA (enforce only for admins, editors, etc.)
• Custom redirection after login
• Trusted device management

Best For: Sites requiring flexible 2FA deployment options and multiple authentication methods.

4. WP 2FA

A user-friendly 2FA solution focused exclusively on providing robust two-factor authentication.

Key Features:

• Enforced 2FA for specified user roles
• Grace periods for 2FA setup
• Backup methods if the primary 2FA is unavailable
• White labeling options for agencies and developers

Best For: Client sites and multi-user WordPress installations where enforcing 2FA compliance is essential.

Implement best practices

When adding 2FA to your WordPress site, follow these best practices:

1. Start with administrator accounts

Begin by enabling 2FA for administrator accounts first, as these present the highest risk if compromised.

Create a phased rollout plan

For sites with multiple users:

• Announce the upcoming security enhancement
• Provide clear instructions for setup
• Consider setting a grace period for users to enable 2FA
• Gradually make 2FA mandatory for different user roles

Have recovery options

Ensure you configure backup codes or alternative recovery methods if the primary second factor is lost or unavailable.

Test thoroughly

Before full deployment, test the 2FA implementation across different devices and scenarios to ensure a smooth user experience.

Document your process

Create documentation for both administrators and users explaining:

• How to set up 2FA
• What to do if they lose access to their authentication device
• Contact information for support with 2FA issues

Common concerns and misconceptions about 2FA

“It’s too complicated for my users”

Modern 2FA solutions are increasingly user-friendly. Most users are 3familiar with 2FA through banking apps and social media accounts. Additionally, you can start by requiring 2FA only for administrative roles while keeping it optional for subscribers.

“It will create login problems”

While any security measure adds a small amount of friction to the login process, that’s outweighed by the significant security benefits. Most authentication apps are quick and straightforward to use.

“My site is too small to be targeted”

Small sites are targeted because they’re expected to have weaker security. Automated bots don’t discriminate based on site size — they look for vulnerabilities.

A 2023 ITRC Business Impact Report showed that 73% of SMBs had experienced a cyberattack, data breach, or both over the previous year.

Beyond WordPress: Securing your entire digital presence

While securing your WordPress site with 2FA is crucial, remember that a comprehensive security approach includes:

Implementing 2FA everywhere possible

Extend 2FA protection to all services connected to your website:

• Email accounts (especially those used for WordPress admin)
• FTP/SFTP access
• Database management tools
• CDN and performance optimization services
• Domain registrar accounts

Regular security audits

Schedule periodic security audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities before they are exploited.

Employee training

Make sure everyone on your team understands security best practices and the importance of following proper authentication protocols.

Summary

Implementing multi-factor authentication for your hosting control panel and your WordPress website is one of the most effective security measures. The minimal investment in time and resources to set up 2FA delivers exponential returns in protection against the most common attack vectors.

As WordPress powers nearly 40% of all websites on the internet, it remains a prime target for attackers. By adopting this simple security layer for WordPress admin access and your hosting dashboards, you significantly reduce your risk profile and demonstrate a commitment to protecting your data and that of your users.

In the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, 2FA has moved from being a “nice to have” feature to an essential component of any serious WordPress security strategy.

If you think about security the way we do, check out Kinsta’s Managed Hosting for WordPress options.

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