Users of myPay now can receive time-sensitive login information via an authenticator app instead of a text or email.

The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) added two-factor authentication to the myPay sign-in process in April. Users were required to set up a method to receive a one-time PIN for use when accessing their accounts. The new setup allows users to receive this information in their authenticator app.

The DFAS website explains the advantage: “While both the text/email PIN and one provided by an authenticator serve the same purpose, authenticators don’t rely on information making its way through email servers or cell networks to get the PIN to a user within the time required to complete myPay logon.”

DFAS recommends researching available authenticator apps online to find “which ones provide the services each individual user needs or wants.” Options vary and include products from name-brand providers such as Google and Microsoft.

Step-by-step instructions for setting up an authenticator app are available in PDF format via DFAS. You’ll have the option to make the authenticator the preferred method of receiving PINs or adding it to your account as a secondary option.

If you haven’t set up two-factor identification, you can also download a PDF for instructions on that process.