Your guide to two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to the existing login process for your PetRescue account. When first logging in with your username and password, you will be given the option to provide a phone number, which will be used to send you an access code via SMS.
If you haven't provided a phone number, the code will be sent to your email address.
Once you’ve logged in the first time, you won’t be required to provide an access code again unless you log in from a different device or IP address (a different internet connection).
What if I don't have access to my phone (or have changed my number)?
If you don’t have access to your phone and have already set up the two-factor authentication, then we’ve got a backup option! You can simply click on the “I don’t have access to my phone” link. From here, you’ll be redirected to the Account Recovery page and provided a unique code to recover your account.
If you would like to change your mobile number, one of our friendly team members can help. Simply email us at members@petrescue.org.au, and we can change your number for you.
Can I choose where I receive my code?
If you have provided a mobile number in your 2FA settings, the code will automatically be sent to you via text. However, if you would like the access code to be sent via email, you can update this preference in your Account Settings.
Simply click on the Menu button (with the three bars) at the top left corner of the screen. Once the menu options appear on the left-hand side of the screen, scroll down to My Account and click ‘Account Settings’.
Once on the Account settings page, you will see a toggle for Use phone number. Simply switch this off (the toggle will appear blue when on and grey when off) and click ‘Update my settings’. Once this has been updated, you will then start receiving your access code via your email linked to your PetRescue account.
What if multiple people are using a group login?
The two-factor authentication is linked to individual user accounts. This means we will only send the code to the user's email address or phone number logging in.
If there are multiple people in your organisation that use PetRescue’s platform to list pets, then it is strongly recommended that you create individual accounts for each team member. You can find out more about creating accounts for your team members here.
Why do PetRescue members need this?
We hear the question, "Why all the security - it's not like you're a bank?" a lot. Cybersecurity is even more important for applications that aren't banking institutions because people are already typically very careful with their bank details. Hackers and scammers love (and prefer) to prey on the easy-to-target places where you keep your passwords - where one might take security a little less seriously.
Keeping your online security a priority sets us apart from backyard websites that don't take your privacy or security seriously. The convenience of logging in without this step is seldom worth the risk. Hackers and scammers are now targeting rehoming organisations to steal money from well-meaning adopters by hijacking your accounts to create fake listings. What could start as them taking over your Facebook account could become as worse as them gaining access to and locking you out of your email, website and even bank account.