Introducing a New Authenticator app, a seamless addition to the Two-Factor Authentication options for all managers and users within your Rentec Direct property management software. This user-friendly feature goes beyond passwords, providing a robust and easy-to-use method to protect your valuable information.
In today’s digital world, safeguarding online accounts is more critical than ever, particularly for landlords, property managers, and investors managing sensitive financial and tenant data.
Relying on passwords alone can be insufficient protection against cyberattacks. This is where two-factor authentication (2FA) comes in. It’s a security process in which the user provides two different authentication factors to verify themselves. 2FA is becoming increasingly popular, requiring a user to input a one-time code that is either emailed or texted to their mobile device.
According to USA Today, more than one in five Americans will work remotely by the end of 2025, making a reliable and secure login essential for remote workers, virtual assistants, and all managers and users of your account. 2FA is considered a best practice in account security and is even required by some companies to access important data online.
Your Rentec Direct Development Team is committed to making online security a top priority. With features like two-factor authentication (2FA), bank-level encryption, and ongoing system security checks, we keep your information safe from cyberattacks. By requiring two-factor authentication for all users of accounts with active merchant accounts, we add an extra layer of protection beyond just your password. The New Authenticator app expands your options to choose the protection that works best for each user, ensuring a proactive approach to security.
- Passkey
- SMS text messaging
- New Authenticator App (TOTP – Time-based One-Time Passwords)
What is an Authenticator app?
An Authenticator app generates a temporary, unique code for two-factor authentication (2FA). You need this code, along with your username and password, to access online accounts. You can download the app to your mobile device or PC. The app typically autogenerates codes every 30 seconds, which makes intercepting the password significantly more difficult and enhances overall account security.
Benefits of the Authenticator app: Temporary One-Time Passwords
- Enhanced Security: Authenticator app adds a crucial second layer of security. Even if someone manages to obtain your password, the Temporary One-Time code changes every 30 seconds to something completely different.
- Reduced Risk of Phishing: Even if a hacker obtains your password, they cannot log in without the valid Authenticator app code, thereby protecting sensitive tenant and financial information.
- Makes it Easier for Virtual Assistants and Remote Employees to Log In Securely: The Authenticator app ensures secure remote access by verifying the user at login, not just the password, which is crucial for landlords with additional users and remote staff. We’ve seen some remote staff have had issues obtaining passkeys and getting tokens via text message. An authentication app will work for anybody in any location, regardless of their mobile carrier or internet connection.
- Protects Against Brute Force Attacks: The short validity window of Authenticator app codes, combined with proprietary fraud-busting technologies at Rentec Direct, makes brute-force attacks extremely difficult, safeguarding your account against persistent threats.
- Easy to Use: Authenticator apps are not only secure but also user-friendly and readily available on most smartphones, working with any internet connection or mobile network. This makes it convenient for landlords to implement this security measure.
Using an Authenticator app with Rentec Direct
Once you sync your Authenticator app with your Rentec Direct software, each time you log in with your username and password, the software will automatically generate a security code and provide you with a space to enter it.
You can begin using this additional security in two quick steps:
- Download an Authenticator app
Tip: An authenticator app downloaded to your mobile device provides you with security when logging in to your workspace on your computer and mobile device - Select the Authenticator app as your login two-factor option
Download an Authenticator app
Authenticator apps are available for Android, iOS, tablets, and pc’s. Any application that supports TOTP (Time-based One Time Password) will work; however, some of the commonly used apps are:
Select the Authenticator app as Your Two-Factor Authentication Option
It’s quick and easy to select the Authenticator app to use a Temporary One-Time Password as your two-factor authentication option using the steps below.
In your Rentec Direct account:
- Click on Settings
- Under Account, click on Login & Password
- In the Two-Factor Authentication section, check the box to Enable Two-Factor Authentication
- Click on the ⭐ to make the Authenticator app the primary Two-Factor Authentication method
- Click on Configure to generate a QR code for setup, or click on “Having trouble scanning the code?” to be provided with a code
- Sync the Authenticator app with your software
- Open the Authenticator app downloaded in Step 1
- Scan the QR code to populate a code or use the code copied in the previous step
- Enter the code into the Verify the code from the app box
- Click on Enable, then click on Submit to save changes
Moving forward, when you log into your Rentec Direct account, after entering your username and password, a security code will automatically populate in your Authentication app for you to securely enter into the software.
Security Levels by Two Factor Method
Passkeys are the newest and most secure option for authentication. They are built on public key cryptography, which means your private key never leaves your device. Instead of typing in a code, your device proves to the service that you are the legitimate account owner. This makes passkeys resistant to phishing, SIM swapping, and man-in-the-middle attacks, since there is no code that can be intercepted or stolen. They are also easier to use since they often just require Face ID, fingerprint, or a device unlock. Rentec Direct supports passkeys and recommends their use for your multi-factor authentication whenever possible and practical.
Time-based One-Time Passwords (TOTP), such as those generated by apps like Google Authenticator, are more secure than SMS but less secure than passkeys. TOTP codes rotate frequently, making them short-lived and difficult for an attacker to access. However, phishing attacks can still trick a user into handing over a valid code, and malware on a device could potentially capture it. Despite these weaknesses, TOTP remains a strong and widely supported form of two-factor authentication.
SMS (text message) two-factor codes are a huge step up in security compared to accounts with no multi-factor authentication; however, they are the least secure two-factor authentication option. While they do add a layer of protection beyond a password, they are vulnerable to SIM swapping, interception, and phishing attacks. For example, attackers can convince a carrier to port your number, allowing them to receive your messages and bypass SMS-based security.
Final Thoughts
The New Authenticator app option is a simple yet powerful way to boost your online security. It is just one of the many ways that Rentec Direct prioritizes safeguarding your online account.
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Suggest a Feature
Our goal is always to make your tasks as a landlord, property manager, or investor simpler, quicker, and more efficient. One of the ways we accomplish this is by reviewing valuable feedback and input from our awesome clients. If there’s anything you would like to see added to enhance your Rentec Direct experience, please send your ideas and suggestions to success@rentecdirect.com.
About Rentec Direct
Rentec Direct delivers industry-leading property management software and tenant screening solutions to real estate professionals. Key features include online rent payments, a mobile app and tenant portal, vacancy listing syndication, and accounting tools. Founded in 2007, Rentec Direct is the third-largest software provider in its sector and is consistently the highest-rated by investors, landlords, and property managers. Recognized on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies for nine consecutive years, Rentec Direct was also named Real Estate Company of the Year in the 2025 American Business Awards and listed among the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Top 100 Small Businesses. rentecdirect.com
