two-factor-authentication-best-practices

To implement two-factor authentication with Better Auth, you integrate the twoFactor plugin, configure your issuer details, and enable TOTP-based verification, OTP delivery, and backup codes for secure account recovery. Client and server-side verification flows handle the authentication process.

When setting up a 2FA flow, you must address security considerations such as enforcing token encryption, configuring appropriate token lifetimes, and applying rate limiting to protect against brute-force attacks on OTP and TOTP endpoints.

Better Auth supports trusted devices and recovery options within its 2FA implementation. The plugin provides client-side and server-side setup patterns that illustrate common 2FA flows, device trust management, and secure recovery via backup codes.

Yes, this two-factor authentication setup is applicable to both web and mobile apps needing credential-based 2FA. It guides the integration of TOTP, OTP, and backup codes across client and server environments using Better Auth.

The best way to configure the twoFactor plugin is to wire it into your Better Auth instance by specifying an issuer, typically your app name, and enabling the desired verification methods like TOTP and OTP delivery per the configuration guide.

Backup codes are needed in TOTP-based two-factor authentication to provide a secure recovery mechanism. They allow users to regain access to their credentialed accounts if they lose access to their primary TOTP-generating device.