New to Looked After Call – Two-step authentication

When it comes to the protection of looked after children and their data, you can never be too careful.

Looked After Call is dedicated to the security of all user data and we continue to evolve the platform with that in mind. For this reason, we are pleased to announce new two-step authentication to the Looked After Call platform, and to share how this extra level of security will benefit virtual schools and the children in their care. 

Why use two-step authentication? 

Two-step authentication (otherwise known as two-factor authentication or 2FA) is growing in popularity, with many systems, suppliers and databases requiring users to utilise the process as standard procedure to improve account security. 

Two-step authentication adds an additional stage to the log in process, making it much harder for your account to be breached, even if an individual has your password. 

How does two-step authentication work? 

New functionality to Looked After Call, two-step authentication can be switched on in just a few minutes within your account. While using two-step authentication is entirely optional, for both security reasons and peace of mind, we recommend switching on the new functionality straight away. 

Once switched on, users will be prompted to log in using their usual details (username and password), followed by an additional six-digit code to authenticate their identity. The code is generated by an account authenticator application (often provided by Google or Microsoft). 

Once set up (instructions on how to get started are below), the authenticator app automatically generates a unique code for the account in question; this code is on a timer and refreshes every few seconds to ensure extra security. Only the user in question can use this code to access their Looked After Call account, so, if the worst happens and your password is stolen, a hacker would still be unable to access your account or the precious data within. 

How do I get started with two-step authentication? 

Logging into Looked After Call with two-step authentication is exactly the same, apart from a one small additional step.  

Once you have input your email address and password, you will be prompted to enter a six digit code, accessed in the Google or Microsoft authenticator app, depending on your preference.  

Switching two-step authentication on in Looked After Call is simple: 

• Log in to Looked After Call as normal and select the ‘User Profile’ icon 
• Click to enable 2 factor authentication 
• Download the Google or Microsoft authenticator app; depending on whether you use an Apple or Android mobile device, click the link on screen for instructions 
• Click to create the QR code and pair with your mobile device 
• Enter the code to verify and confirm 

And that’s it – you're done! 

Subsequent logins will prompt you for a six-digit code; simply refer to the Google or Microsoft Authenticator app and input it into the field. 

What may feel like an extra step to access your account is supremely efficient and reliable security measure developed to protect the data of children in your care. We take data security very seriously at Looked After Call and are pleased to offer this new functionality to our customers. 

To find out more about Looked After Call, get in touch.