{"id":77750,"date":"2017-10-03T06:50:14","date_gmt":"2017-10-03T13:50:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.backblaze.com\/blog\/?p=77750"},"modified":"2025-12-11T13:28:20","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T21:28:20","slug":"new-backblaze-security-features","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.backblaze.com\/blog\/new-backblaze-security-features\/","title":{"rendered":"New Backblaze Security Features"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"How<\/a><\/p>\n

Today, we are pleased to announce two new security features for Backblaze. Security is a top priority at Backblaze, and we are fully committed to, and proactively invest in, keeping our users secure.<\/p>\n

In 2015, we added additional features such as two-factor verification via SMS<\/a>, which enables customers to use a mobile device to verify their identity when accessing their accounts. Earlier this year we added the ability to use mobile authenticator applications<\/a> such as Google Authenticator and Authy, providing an additional method for two-factor verification. Authenticator apps provide convenience and an additional layer of access security to accounts should the user have internet access but not cell phone carrier access.<\/p>\n

Why Enable Two-Factor for Your Backblaze Account?<\/h2>\n

We have built our cloud backup and storage products with best-in-class security. As you may know, however, users sometimes unknowingly use practices that provide a point of access they didn\u2019t intend \u2014 such as using the same credentials for more than one account or website. By enabling two-factor, you create a level of protection for your account that is much harder to penetrate, even for someone who has somehow obtained your credentials. It\u2019s a smart precaution and should be used on every account where the option is available.<\/p>\n

We are the only backup company that provides this level to security to all our customers, no matter what type of account they have. We strongly encourage all our users to use two-factor authentication for their Backblaze accounts.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s New?<\/h3>\n

This week we added two new features that further enhance Two-Factor Verification, Fallback to SMS<\/em> and Backup Codes<\/em>. These features are available to all our customers on all accounts, and make our already strong account security even better.<\/p>\n

Two-Factor Fallback to SMS<\/h4>\n

Previously, users could select to have an SMS message sent to them to verify their identity whenever they signed into their account. Some users prefer the convenience and security of an authenticator app, but if they lose access to their phone, would be unable to verify their identity. For these users, we now add \u201cFallback to SMS,\u201d which will enable the user to request an SMS message to verify their identity as an alternative to not having the authenticator app.<\/p>\n

Two-Factor Backup Codes<\/h4>\n

What happens if you\u2019ve chosen to use Two-Factor Verification using an authenticator app or SMS and you\u2019ve lost access to your phone and the ability to receive an SMS (or don\u2019t wish to use SMS)?<\/p>\n

That\u2019s where Backup Codes come in. By selecting \u201cGet backup codes\u201d on your account settings page, you will receive 10 codes that you can use to verify your identify when you sign into your account. You can copy these codes to a password manager, a notes program, or a file on your computer. Each of these codes can be used only once. If you use up all ten, or wish to revoke them, you can request a new set in your account settings.<\/p>\n

Be aware that each of these backup codes gives someone with your credentials access to your account. We strongly recommend using a password manager or another secure location to keep these codes safe. When you select a new set of codes, your previous set will be invalidated, so be sure to replace the old backup codes you’ve saved with the new ones.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s How It Works<\/h3>\n

Let\u2019s say you\u2019re trying to sign into your account and you\u2019ve previously activated Two-Factor Verification with an authenticator app. For whatever reason, you don\u2019t have access to your mobile device with the authenticator app.<\/p>\n

This is the dialog you would see after entering your email and password.<\/p>\n

\"Two<\/a><\/p>\n

Without access to your authenticator app \u2014 and either Two-Factor Fallback to SMS<\/em> or Backup Codes<\/em> \u2014 you would be at a dead-end. You could not access your account.<\/p>\n

But, if you have these new options, Fallback to SMS<\/em> and\/or Backup Codes<\/em>, activated in your account, you would be able to select \u201cOther Options\u201d at the bottom of the dialog. This is the dialog you would see.<\/p>\n

\"Alternative<\/a><\/p>\n

You can now request that a code be sent to you via SMS (if you have that ability), or you could use one of your unused Backup Codes to sign into your account.<\/p>\n

How to Enable These New Options<\/h3>\n

To enable one or both of these new options, sign into your Backblaze account. From the Overview page, select \u201cMy Settings\u201d under Account.<\/p>\n

In the middle of the \u201cMy Settings\u201d page, you will see the section entitled, Security. Select \u201cSign In Settings\u201d on the right side.<\/p>\n

\"Backblaze<\/a><\/p>\n

In the Sign In Settings dialog you can select your preferences for Two-Factor Verification. If you are using an authenticator app, we suggest you select \u201cAllow fallback to SMS.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Backblaze<\/a><\/p>\n

Select Update and exit the dialog.<\/p>\n

You are now back in the \u201cMy Settings\u201d dialog. In the Security section, select Get backup codes to use if you lose access to your phone<\/em>.<\/p>\n

You will be asked if you wish to receive new backup codes. Select \u201cYes, Get New Codes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Backup<\/a><\/p>\n

You will see a dialog containing 10 10-character alphanumeric codes. You should copy these codes to a safe place.<\/p>\n

\"Example<\/a><\/div>\n

(No, these aren\u2019t real codes \u2014 we knew you would ask.)<\/p>\n

The ability to receive an SMS code or to use a backup code ensures that you will be able to verify your identify and sign into your account even if you don\u2019t have your mobile device or access to a cell network.<\/p>\n

Backup Codes Also Aid Estate and Emergency Planning<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s a digital world now and we all need to plan<\/a> for how our family and trusted others will access our online accounts and data if we are incapacitated or deceased. You can give your credentials and backup code(s) to someone you trust who might someday need access to your Backblaze account.<\/p>\n

Some password manager applications, such as LastPass<\/a> and 1Password<\/a>, let you configure emergency access to your account credentials, account numbers, and other important information should that become necessary. This is a great place to store your Backblaze credentials and FallBack Backup Codes<\/em> so they are available to your trusted contacts should that become necessary.<\/p>\n

Backblaze Advises All Customers to Use Two Factor Verification with Fallback<\/h3>\n

If you haven\u2019t already turned on Two-Factor Verification in the first place, go to the Sign-In Settings dialog in your Backblaze account and enable Two-Factor Verification.<\/p>\n

\"Backblaze<\/a><\/p>\n

After you’ve done that and you’ve also selected one or both fallback options described above, you\u2019re all set.<\/p>\n

Please let us know if you have any questions about these new security features or best practices for protecting your online accounts and digital assets.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Today, we are pleased to announce two new security features for Backblaze. Security is a top priority at Backblaze, and we are fully committed to, and proactively invest in, keeping our users secure. In 2015, we added additional features such as two-factor verification via SMS, which enables customers to use a mobile device to verify… Continue reading New Backblaze Security Features<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":133,"featured_media":79529,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[121],"tags":[469,384],"class_list":["post-77750","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-backing-up","tag-consumerbackup","tag-security","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nBackblaze Adds New Security Features Including Backup Codes<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Security is a top priority at Backblaze, and we are fully committed to, and proactively invest in, keeping our users secure.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, 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