Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Keeping your Shark account safe is a top priority. Passwords alone can sometimes be guessed, stolen, or reused across multiple websites. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) adds an additional layer of protection so that even if someone knows your password, they still can’t access your account without a one-time code from your phone.

This article walks you through what 2FA is, what you need to get started, and exactly how to set it up in Shark.

What is Two-Factor Authentication?

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is a security feature that requires two pieces of information when you sign in:

1. Something you know – your password
2. Something you have – a 6-digit code generated by an app on your phone

These codes are time-based and change frequently, which makes them very difficult for attackers to use, even if they somehow obtain a previous code.

With 2FA turned on, your Shark account is much better protected against:

• Stolen or guessed passwords
• Phishing attempts
• Unauthorised access from unknown devices

‍What you’ll need

Before you begin, make sure you have:

• A smartphone
• An authenticator app installed on that phone

You can use any standard authenticator app, such as:

• Google Authenticator
• Microsoft Authenticator
• Authy

All of these are free and available on both Android and iOS.

How to Set up 2FA in Shark

Setting up 2FA only takes a few minutes. Once it’s done, you’ll use your authenticator app each time you sign in.

Step 1: Install an authenticator app

On your smartphone:

1. Open the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
2. Search for one of the following:
   • Google Authenticator
   • Microsoft Authenticator
   • Authy
3. Download and install the app of your choice.

‍Tip: If you already use an authenticator app for other accounts, you can use that same app for Shark too.

Step 2: Connect your app to Shark

1. Go to the Shark sign-in page.
2. Enter your username and password.
3. Shark will display a QR code on the screen.
4. On your phone, open your authenticator app.
5. Add a new account and choose Scan QR code (wording may vary slightly by app).
6. Pointy our phone’s camera at the QR code shown in Shark.

Your authenticator app will now create a new entry for Shark and start generating 6-digit codes.

Step 3: Verify and finish setup

1. After scanning the QR code, your authenticator app will display a 6-digit code for Shark.
2. Enter that 6-digit code into the verification field in Shark.
3. Select Continue or Verify to confirm.

If the code is accepted, 2FA is now enabled on your Shark account.

How signing in works with 2FA enabled

Once 2FA is turned on, your login flow changes slightly:

1. Go to the Shark sign-in page.
2. Enter your username and password as normal.
3. Open your authenticator app on your phone.
4. Locate the Shark account entry.
5. Enter the current 6-digit code displayed in the app into the Shark sign-in screen.

‍If the code has just expired (the timer reaches zero), simply wait for the next code and use that one instead.

If you can’t access your authenticator app

If you lose access to your phone or your authenticator app (for example, if you get a new device), you may be unable to sign in with2FA. In that case, contact the Shark support team so they can help restore access.