Airbitz, a simple to use mobile wallet for iPhone and Android, has launched a unique two factor authentication that protects users accounts while making the login simple. The latest version of Airbitz, which will become available on 3/18/15, will feature 2fa with the tap of a button without the need to frequently type in the six digit code which is standard. In addition to this, users also won’t need to store a backup seed.
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Airbitz is designed to be an incredibly simple to use Bitcoin wallet, making it easy for anyone to get involved with cryptocurrencies. Airbitz’s unique 2fa makes it incredibly simple for users to protect their funds while maintaining simplicity and ease of use. Additional devices can be added to a user’s account by scanning a QR code on the original device that enabled 2fa, verifying the device. If someone loses a device, they can attempt to disable 2fa by using their login information on the app from another device. The request has a waiting period of 7 days. During the waiting period, the user’s original device will be informed via push notifications to prevent fraud. Airbitz has launched 2fa while maintaining user privacy, allowing users to setup an account and make use of 2fa without an email address or phone number.
Disclaimer: The author has no relationship with Airbitz.
Bitcoinist exclusive interview
I interviewed Paul Puey, CEO of Airbitz, to find out more about the 2fa launch:
What sets Airbitz’s 2FA aside from other Bitcoin wallets?
Simple, it is the ONLY 2FA for any software that does not require external apps or any extra steps to login to an account. Users simply enable 2FA and forget about it. This is a first not just for bitcoin wallets but for any software that needs to authenticate. Users simply set it up once and forget about it. In addition, the Airbitz style of 2FA fully retains user privacy as it doesn’t require a phone number or email address which is VERY unique to most any 2FA solution. And unlike Google Authenticator, there is also no need to backup 2FA tokens.
How does your version of 2FA increase security while maintaining simplicity?
Our One-Touch 2FA solution increases security by making it simple. Security features are useless if they are not usable. Too many wallets claim to be ultra secure, but the process a user needs to go through to utilize those features are so foreign and convoluted that few people use them. Too many products that *can* be secure, also give their users a lot of rope to hang themselves and trip over the security.
Many have agreed that one of the barriers to bitcoin adoption has been the need for digital security which as a society, we have not been accustomed to. By making security nearly invisible, we open the door to truly enabling bitcoin use to everyone.
What are your future plans for Airbitz?
We intend to continue innovating in the space of *ease of security*. It’s one of our mantras and we’re confident that when we start implementing functionality such as multisig or hardware wallet integration that we’ll be the simplest solution for people to use and truly drive bitcoin usability to the masses.
Conclusion
Overall, this new launch further strengthens the security of the wallet and user funds while maintaining simplicity and user privacy. Airbitz’s update is a step in the right for wallet security and protection of user privacy. Be sure to check out the wallet and the new update for yourself!
What do you think of Airbitz newservice, Will you use it?