Enable Multi-factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication introduces another layer of security to the authentication process. The second authentication factor can be either a text message sent to your phone number or a one-time code generated by an authenticator application.

Phone Number - Text Message

To enable multi-factor authentication and use one-time passwords sent in a text message as the second authentication factor:

  1. Log in to the Equinix portal.

  2. Click your user name and select User Account.

    Important: The User Account page is currently available to customers using email-based login. For information on how to enable email-based login, see Enable Email-based Login.

  3. From the left menu, select Authentication and Security.

  4. In the Phone Numbers section, click Enable.

  5. Select country code, enter your phone number, then click Continue.

    Tip: For the country code you can either type in the name of the country or the country code to limit the number of items on the list.

  6. Enter the verification code and click Continue.

  7. Copy and store the recovery code, then confirm that you have stored the recovery code and click Finish.

    Note: Applicable when setting up first MFA method.

Authenticator Application

To enable multi-factor authentication and use an authenticator application as the second authentication factor:

  1. Log in to the Equinix portal.

  2. Click your user name and select User Account.

    Important: The User Account page is currently available to customers using email-based login. For information on how to enable email-based login, see Enable Email-based Login.

  3. From the left menu, select Authentication and Security.

  4. In the Authenticator Applications section, click Enable.

  5. Set up your authenticator application instance:

    1. Open authenticator application on your phone.
    2. Scan the QR code or enter the code displayed on the screen.
    3. Enter the one-time code generated by the authenticator application.
    4. Enter name for the given authenticator application.
    5. Click Continue.

  6. Copy and store the recovery code, then confirm that you have stored the recovery code and click Finish.

    Note: Applicable when setting up first MFA method.

Warning: Equinix does NOT endorse email for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) due to its vulnerability. Email represents one of the least secure authentication methods, as it can be susceptible to hacking.

For instance, should you opt for email as your authentication method, and an unauthorized party gains access to your email account, they can exploit this to:
1. Use the Reset Password option for the Equinix portals.
2. Intercept the email message that contains the password reset link.
3. Create a new password for the portals.
4. Intercept the one-time authentication code sent to your email address.

In this scenario, gaining control of your email account translates to gaining control of your portal account.