Two-Factor Authentication / Phone Verification (2FA)

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is a method of confirming a user's identity and acts as an additional layer of security to keep sensitive information safe. In this article, we will review:

• AvantLink 2FA Process  
• Initial 2FA Set Up
• Changes to 2FA Information
• Authentication Prompts
• Authentication Without Phone Access
• Potential 2FA Issues

AVANTLINK TWO-FACTOR (2FA) AUTHENTICATION PROCESS

AvantLink’s authentication process requires a second device to verify your identity before accessing the interface. The process was set up to protect your account security. Therefore:

• 2FA authentication is required for all AvantLink users
• AvantLink cannot disable 2FA for ANY account
• AvantLink does not support "shared" logins.  However, AvantLink does not charge for additional logins/users and they can be set up:
  • Creating and Managing Users for Merchant Accounts
  • Creating and Managing Users for Affiliate Accounts
• AvantLink requires UNIQUE per person/browser logins using phone verification.

INITIAL 2FA SETUP 

Below are the instructions for new account users to set up 2FA for the first time:

• When logging into the AvantLink interface for the first time, users will be prompted to enter in a phone number.
• Users will then need to authorize login credentials using the phone number.
• After the initial 2FA setup, the phone number will be connected to the user’s account going forward.

 
CHANGES TO 2FA INFORMATION 

In order to change the phone number associated with your AvantLink account, please email support@avantlink.com. AvantLink support will delete the old 2FA phone number associated with your account. You will then be prompted to set up a new authentication the next time you login.

NOTE: Changes to the phone number under the Account>Edit Program Information page in the AvantLink interface will NOT update the phone number for 2FA authentication.

AUTHENTICATION PROMPTS

There are a few actions that will prompt 2FA authentication:

• New/Clean Browser: You will be prompted to authenticate when you login with a new browser, when using incognito mode or after clearing your cache or browser cookies.
• New Device: You will be prompted to authenticate when login using a new device.
• Payment and Tax Updates: You will be prompted to authenticate when accessing the ‘Manage Payment and Tax Information’ or the ‘Withdraw Now’ option. After the code has been entered, it will redirect to the last page you navigated from and may require you to re-attempt the action. 

When prompted, choose SMS (text) or phone call. Avantlink will send a text or phone call to the listed phone (or use a third-party browser plugin) to ensure account safety. Simply enter the code received. 

ACCESSING YOUR ACCOUNT WITHOUT A PHONE

Google Voice Account

With Google Voice, Individuals located within the continental US can get a free phone number for calls, text messages, and voicemail. You can use the apps on smartphones and computers and receive calls and texts from anywhere.

To set up a Google Voice phone number: 

• Navigate to https://voice.google.com/
• Sign in to your Google Account.
• After reviewing the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, click Continue.
• Search by city or area code for a number. (Voice doesn't offer 1-800 numbers).
• If there aren't any numbers available in the area you want, try somewhere nearby.
• Next to the number you want, click Select. Follow the instructions.

Once you have a Google Voice number activated you can use it to authenticate your accounts going forward.

POTENTIAL 2FA ISSUES/ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

There are many instances that could cause 2FA log-in troubles. Going on a trip overseas? Going to be switching phone numbers?

No worries! Simply email AvantLink’s support team (support@avantlink.com) from the email address on file in the interface for help. If this is not possible, copy the primary Avantlink account holder to ensure security. Please provide as much information regarding the account including the previous number used for the 2FA.