Overview
Purpose of the Article
This guide explains how to set up two-factor authentication (2FA) using an authenticator app as part of the X.509 digital signing certificate process in Notary Hub. Two-factor authentication is required to finalize notarized documents using SSL.com based certificates.
Who Should Use This Guide
- Notaries using an SSL.com digital certificate for signing.
- Notaries who need to configure their authenticator app during certificate setup.
Key Takeaways
- 2FA is required when using an SSL.com digital certificate.
- You will set up the authenticator during certificate issuance.
- You’ll need the 6-digit code from your authenticator app when finalizing a notarization session.
Prerequisites
Before setting up your digital signing certificate and authenticator, make sure you have:
- A Notary Hub notary account.
- A smartphone or device with an authenticator app installed:
- A stable internet connection.
When You Need Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication is part of the secure signing process when using a cloud-based digital certificate from SSL.com.
You will:
- Set up your authenticator during the certificate creation process.
- Use the 6-digit code generated by the authenticator app whenever you digitally sign documents in Notary Hub.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your Authenticator App
Setting Up Your Authenticator App
Before you begin, make sure you have Google Authenticator for Android or Google Authenticator for iOS installed on your smartphone or device.
You’ll be prompted to complete this setup during the SSL.com certificate issuance process. If you haven’t reached this step yet, refer to the X.509 Certificate Setup Guide for full instructions.
| Instructions | Visuals |
|---|---|
| During the certificate setup, you will reach a screen that displays a QR code. |  |
| Open your authenticator app (e.g., Google Authenticator) on your mobile device. |  |
| Tap the "+" icon in your authenticator app to add a new account, then choose “Scan a QR code.” |  |
| Use your app to scan the QR code on the screen. |  |
| The app will now show a 6-digit code that changes every 30 seconds. Enter this code to complete the certificate setup and bind the authenticator to your certificate identity. |  |
Using Your Authenticator to Finalize a Signing
Once your certificate and authenticator are set up, you’ll use them during notarization. For full instructions on how to lock documents and finalize the session, please see [Lock and Finalize Document](Lock and Finalize Document_04.md).
| Instructions | Visuals |
|---|---|
| After all of your documents have been locked, you can finalize the session. Click the green "Finalize Session" button in the top right corner. |  |
| If you are using an SSL.com certificate, the next screen will prompt you to confirm and apply your digital certificate. Click the blue "Apply your SSL Digital Certificate" button. |  |
| You will be prompted to login to SSL.com with your SSL username and password. |  |
| A pop-up will appear with your certificate information. Confirm it is correct and click the blue "Digitally sign document" button. |  |
| You will be prompted to enter your current 6-digit code from your authenticator app. After successful verification, your digital signature and notary seal will be applied. |  |
| The Signing Session is now complete. The system provides about one minute to wrap up your conversation with the constituent(s) before the session ends. You can also hang up manually. |  |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need an authenticator app to use Notary Hub?
- A: Only if you are using a cloud-based SSL.com X.509 certificate. It is required to digitally sign documents during finalization.
Q: Can I use SMS for two-factor authentication?
- A: No. Notary Hub requires an authenticator app for 2FA when using SSL.com certificates.
Q: When will I be prompted to use my 2FA code?
- A: You will be prompted after locking the document(s) and clicking “Finalize Session.” It is part of applying your digital signature.
Q: Can I set up the authenticator later?
- A: No. You must complete setup during the initial SSL certificate creation process.
Q: Do I need a new code for every signing?
- A: Yes. A new 6-digit code is generated every 30 seconds. You must use a valid code each time you finalize a session.
Q: Do I need two-factor authentication to use Notary Hub?
- A: Not for general access. Two-factor authentication is only required when using an SSL.com certificate to finalize and digitally sign documents.
Q: Will I need to scan the QR code again for future signings?
- A: No. You only scan the QR code once during setup. Your authenticator app will continuously generate new 6-digit codes.
Q: How often do the codes refresh?
- A: Authenticator apps generate a new code approximately every 30 seconds.
Q: What should I do if I enter the wrong code?
- A: You’ll be prompted to re-enter the current code. Make sure you're using the most recent code from your app.
Q: Will my authenticator setup carry over to a new phone?
- A: No. Authenticator codes are stored locally. If you get a new device, you’ll need to set up 2FA again or restore your app from backup (if supported).
Q: Do I need to enter a code every time I sign a document?
- A: Yes. Each time you finalize a notarization session using an SSL.com certificate, you'll be prompted to enter a current 6-digit code.
Q: Can I set up 2FA again if I skipped it during setup?
- A: If you didn’t complete the 2FA step when issuing your SSL.com certificate, you’ll need to restart the certificate setup.