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Account Authentication

Understanding the Encrypted Account Key and Authentication Process

The Encrypted Account Key (also known as the QR Code in your authentication email) is essential for verifying your ownership of your mSecure account. This key is sent to your email the first time you sign in to mSecure. 


Without your username, password, and Encrypted Account Key, the data stored in your account cannot be accessed.

How the Encrypted Account Key Protects Your Data

To ensure maximum security within the mSecure Cloud, your information is protected with a unique, randomly generated encryption key tied to your account. This Encrypted Account Key is required in addition to your password to verify your identity.


You will need to authenticate your account whenever you sign in on a new device or after reinstalling mSecure. Learn more about our security model here.

Automatic Authentication via iCloud Drive (mSecure 6)

If iCloud Drive is enabled for mSecure, your Encrypted Account Key will be automatically stored there. In this case, when signing in:

  1. mSecure will first check iCloud Drive for your Encrypted Account Key to authenticate you.
  2. If no key is found or the stored key is invalid, mSecure will prompt you to authenticate using your QR Code instead. 
  3. If the key is valid, you will be automatically authenticated without needing to scan the QR Code. 

Keep Your Authentication Email Safe

IMPORTANT: Do not lose your authentication email. In some cases, you will need access to the QR Code in this email to verify your identity. Without it, you will not be able to sign in, as there is no other way to authenticate your account. 


Click here for instructions on signing in and authenticating your account on a new device.

Resending Your Authentication Email or Viewing Your QR Code

When you first set up mSecure and sign up for an account, you will receive an authentication email with your Encrypted Account Key/QR Code. 


If you need to resend the authentication email or access your QR Code, you can do so in mSecure's Account Settings. Learn how to resend your Account Authentication email here. 


Note: The authentication email is only sent the first time you set up mSecure on a device. 

Understanding Your Account Authentication Email

Your Account Authentication Email contains essential information needed to authenticate and access your mSecure account on new devices.

What's Included in the Authentication Email?

  1. Your QR Code - A visual representation of your Encrypted Account Key that can be scanned to authenticate your account. The key is securely encrypted using your mSecure account password. 
  2. Your Encrypted Account Key (Plan Text) - A unique alphanumeric code that can be used to authenticate your account manually, especially on a PC. 
  3. A PDF Attachment - A file containing both the QR Code and the Encrypted Account Key, allowing you to store it safely for future use.

Saving Your Authentication Email

mSecure will send you the authentication email when you first create an account. If you have already set up mSecure, check your email inbox for this message. 

If you need a new copy of your authentication email:

  1. Sign in to mSecure on a device where you're already authenticated. 
  2. Open mSecure's Settings.
  3. Navigate to Account Settings. 
  4. Select the option to reveal your Account Key.
  5. Resend the authentication email to your registered email address. 

Tip: Since the authentication email includes a PDF attachment, it's a good idea to save this file securely for future reference.

Using Your Account Authentication Email

Your authentication email contains everything needed to sign in to your mSecure account on a new device:

  • Your Encrypted Account Key - The unique alphanumeric code that secures your data. 
  • Your QR Code - A scannable image that allows for quick authentication on new devices.

How to Use Your Authentication Email to Sign In

  1. Download and install mSecure on your new device. 
  2. Sign in using your mSecure email and password. 
  3. When prompted to authenticate your account:

- Scan the QR Code from your authentication email using your device's camera. 

- OR Upload the QR Code file from the PDF attachment.

If You Can't Find Your Account Key

mSecure does not store or have access to your Encrypted Account Key. If you lost it, we cannot recover or reset it for you. To authenticate your account, you must have access to at least one of the following:

  • A copy of your authentication email.
  • The PDF attachment from the email.
  • A saved image of your QR Code. 
  • mSecure installed on a device when you're already signed in. 

Troubleshooting: "Invalid QR Code" Message

If you receive an "Invalid QR Code" message when attempting to authenticate, it may be due to: 

  • The QR Code is from a different mSecure account.
  • The QR Code is outdated, possible generated before you changed your account password. 
  • The QR Code is from before a password reset, making it invalid. 

Solution:

  • Ensure you're using the correct QR Code for your current mSecure account.
  • Check the date of your QR Code, especially if you've changed your password since receiving it.

If You Still Can't Authenticate Your Account

If you are unable to authenticate, contact mSecure Support for assistance. 

Important: mSecure Support will never ask for your account password or Account Key. Please do not include any sensitive information when reaching out for help.

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