SmartPhone Authenticator Overview

Firms that use the CCH Axcess login mode can also use the SmartPhone Authenticator feature. SmartPhone Authenticator is a type of 2-Step Verification in which you pair your smartphone to your CCH Axcess user account via a dedicated authenticator app. The app may be used anytime you must complete 2-Step Verification while logging in to CCH Axcess . However, instead of receiving a verification code via text message or phone call, you may verify your login or receive a code in the app on the paired device.

Advantages of Using SmartPhone Authenticator

Verifying your identity through an authenticator app is more secure than receiving verification codes through text messages or phone calls. Text messages can be intercepted or redirected. Also, hackers who engage in SIM card swapping can steal a mobile phone number, and thus gain access to both your phone calls and text messages.

Authenticator apps avoid these risks by requiring that the person logging in have physical access to the paired device during login. If the device has a lock code or other security measure in place to prevent unauthorized use, that provides another level of security should the device be lost or stolen.

Another advantage of authenticator apps is that paired devices do not need Internet access or cell phone service to complete verification. If you use the Wolters Kluwer Authenticator app, you also can save time and steps. Instead of having to enter a verification code in CCH Axcess, you simply click Approve in the app to complete two-step verification.

Supported Authenticator Apps

CCH Axcess supports the use of two authenticator apps, Wolters Kluwer Authenticator and Google Authenticator™. These applications can be downloaded for free from the Apple^® App Store^® (for iPhones^®) and Google Play™ (for phones on the Android™ platform). Use the links below to download and install the apps:

For iPhone®	For Android™
Wolters Kluwer Authenticator	Wolters Kluwer Authenticator
Google Authenticator™	Google Authenticator™

Note: A staff member can only pair to a single authenticator app at a time.

Getting Started with SmartPhone Authenticator

SmartPhone Authenticator is disabled by default, but can be enabled by your firm's CCH Axcess administrator. The recommended workflow for getting started with SmartPhone Authenticator is as follows:

1. Decide if you want your users to use a specific authenticator app, or if both of the supported mobile apps are acceptable.
2. Enable SmartPhone Authenticator in the firm's login options.
3. Communicate with your staff about this new feature. The following resources can help staff get started:
   • The topic Completing 2-Step Verification Using Your Smartphone provides the steps for pairing a device to your CCH Axcess user account. It also includes the steps for completing 2-Step Verification using an authenticator app.
   • Short demonstrations on how to install and use the apps are available in the video library on our Support site.
   • The topic FAQs about 2-Step Verification addresses many of the common questions about 2-Step Verification.
   • Additional articles are available in the knowledge base on our Support site.