TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION

Maximum Account Security for Your Marketplace Account

Why 2FA is Absolutely Critical

Two-Factor Authentication adds a second layer of security beyond your password. Think of it as a second lock on your door. Even if someone steals your password through phishing, keyloggers, or database breaches, they cannot access your account without the second factor. This protection matters more on darknet marketplaces than anywhere else online.

Consider the risks you face without 2FA. Phishing sites look identical to the real marketplace. Keyloggers capture every keystroke. Database leaks expose credentials. Password reuse creates cross-site vulnerabilities. Any of these can compromise your password. But with 2FA enabled, a stolen password becomes useless to attackers.

Without 2FA: Your password alone protects your account. One successful phishing attempt or malware infection means complete account compromise. Attackers gain full access to your funds, messages, and order history.

With 2FA: Both your password and the second factor are required for access. Even if attackers steal your password, they're locked out. Your account stays secure because they lack the time-sensitive code that only your device generates.

The marketplace environment makes account security especially important. Accounts contain sensitive information. Funds sit in marketplace wallets. Disputes reveal transaction details. Message history shows communication patterns. An attacker with account access can steal everything and potentially compromise your identity. 2FA prevents this entire category of attacks.

Available 2FA Methods

Choose the authentication method that fits your security needs and technical comfort

TOTP 2FA (Recommended)

Time-Based One-Time Password

TOTP generates a new six-digit code every thirty seconds using a shared secret between your authenticator app and the marketplace. The algorithm ensures codes are unpredictable and time-limited. No network connection required for code generation.

  • Uses authenticator apps like Aegis or Google Authenticator
  • Generates fresh 6-digit code every 30 seconds
  • Works completely offline after initial setup
  • Easy to configure and intuitive to use
  • Widely supported across platforms
  • Best for: Most users, mobile access, quick logins

PGP 2FA (Advanced)

Cryptographic Signature Authentication

PGP 2FA requires signing a challenge message with your private key. This proves you control the private key associated with your account's public key. The signature is mathematically verified by the marketplace.

  • Uses your existing PGP keypair
  • Sign messages to prove key ownership
  • Highest security through cryptographic proof
  • Requires PGP software for each login
  • No dependency on external devices
  • Best for: Advanced users, desktop-focused workflows

TOTP 2FA Setup Process

Step 1: Choose Your Authenticator App

Before enabling 2FA, you need an authenticator app installed on your smartphone. Not all authenticator apps are equal. Some prioritize privacy. Others offer convenience features. Choose based on your priorities.

Recommended Apps for Privacy

Mainstream Alternatives

Privacy recommendation: Aegis on Android or Raivo on iOS. These apps never phone home and store tokens only on your device.

Step 2: Enable 2FA in Account Settings

With your authenticator app ready, navigate to your marketplace account settings.

  1. Log into your account through a verified onion address
  2. Navigate to Settings or Security section
  3. Locate the Two-Factor Authentication option
  4. Click Enable 2FA or Setup TOTP
  5. The marketplace displays a QR code and secret key

Don't close this page yet. You'll need to verify the setup before 2FA becomes active. Keep the QR code visible while completing the next step.

Step 3: Scan the QR Code

Your authenticator app needs to read the secret embedded in the QR code. This establishes the shared secret for generating codes.

  1. Open your authenticator app
  2. Tap the Add Account or + button
  3. Select Scan QR Code option
  4. Point your phone camera at the QR code on screen
  5. The app automatically recognizes and imports the token
  6. A new entry appears showing the marketplace name
  7. Six-digit codes begin generating immediately

Manual Entry Alternative

If QR scanning fails due to camera issues or screen quality:

Step 4: Verify Configuration

The marketplace needs to confirm your authenticator is properly synchronized before activating 2FA.

  1. Look at the current 6-digit code in your authenticator
  2. Note how much time remains before it refreshes
  3. Type the code into the marketplace verification field
  4. Click Verify or Enable 2FA
  5. Success message confirms 2FA is now active

Timing matters: Codes expire every 30 seconds. If you enter a code just as it expires, verification fails. Watch for codes with at least 10 seconds remaining before entering them.

Clock synchronization: TOTP depends on accurate time. If your phone clock drifts, codes won't match. Ensure automatic time sync is enabled in your phone settings.

Step 5: Save Backup Codes Immediately

After enabling 2FA, the marketplace displays backup recovery codes. These codes are your emergency access method if you lose your authenticator device. Treat them as seriously as your password.

Understanding Backup Codes

Secure Storage Methods

Never Do This

Using 2FA During Login

Standard Login Process

Every login now requires both your password and a fresh 2FA code. The extra step takes only seconds but provides substantial protection.

  1. Navigate to the verified marketplace onion address
  2. Enter your username
  3. Enter your password
  4. Click Login to proceed
  5. 2FA prompt appears requesting code
  6. Open your authenticator app
  7. Find the marketplace entry
  8. Note the current 6-digit code
  9. Enter the code in the marketplace prompt
  10. Click Verify to complete login

Practical Tips for Smooth Logins

PGP 2FA Setup (Advanced Users)

How PGP 2FA Works

Instead of generating time-based codes, PGP 2FA requires cryptographically signing a challenge message. The marketplace verifies your signature against your registered public key. This proves you possess the corresponding private key.

Prerequisites

Setup Procedure

  1. Navigate to Settings → Security in your account
  2. Select Enable PGP 2FA
  3. Marketplace displays a challenge message
  4. Copy the entire challenge message
  5. Save to a text file locally
  6. Sign the message with your private key:
    gpg --clearsign challenge.txt
  7. Open the signed output file (.asc extension)
  8. Copy the complete signed message including signature block
  9. Paste back into the marketplace verification field
  10. Marketplace verifies signature
  11. PGP 2FA now active on your account

Login with PGP 2FA

Each login follows a similar pattern:

  1. Enter username and password normally
  2. Marketplace displays a random challenge
  3. Copy the challenge message
  4. Sign with your PGP private key
  5. Paste signed message back
  6. Login completes after verification

Considerations Before Choosing PGP 2FA

Recommendation: Choose TOTP 2FA unless you strongly prefer PGP workflows and understand the recovery implications.

Account Recovery When 2FA Unavailable

Lost Phone or Authenticator App

Option 1: Use Backup Codes

This is the intended recovery method. If you saved backup codes properly, recovery takes seconds.

  1. Go to marketplace login page
  2. Enter username and password
  3. At 2FA prompt, click Use backup code
  4. Enter one of your saved backup codes
  5. Access granted immediately
  6. Navigate to security settings
  7. Disable and reconfigure 2FA with new device
  8. Save new backup codes

Option 2: Support Request (No Backup Codes)

Warning: Recovery without backup codes may be impossible or extremely difficult.

Prevention is Better Than Recovery

Security Best Practices

Authenticator App Security

  • Choose privacy-respecting apps like Aegis or Raivo
  • Enable app-level encryption with strong password
  • Set PIN or biometric protection for app access
  • Create encrypted backup of authenticator database
  • Never screenshot or share displayed codes

Device Protection

  • Lock phone with strong PIN of six or more digits
  • Enable biometric authentication as backup
  • Keep operating system and apps updated
  • Avoid rooting or jailbreaking which weakens security
  • Consider dedicated device for sensitive accounts

Backup Code Management

  • Maintain multiple copies in different locations
  • Use encrypted storage for digital copies
  • Test codes periodically to confirm they work
  • Store separately from password records
  • Never store in unencrypted cloud services

Troubleshooting Common Issues

"Invalid 2FA Code" Error

"Code Not Accepted During Setup"

"Lost Access to Everything"

Important 2FA Warnings

Protect Your Account Today

2FA is your strongest defense against account takeover. Set it up now before you deposit funds or make transactions.

PGP Setup Guide → Security Overview →

🕒 Last updated: December 2025

Nexus Market 2FA Security

Two-factor authentication protects your Nexus account from unauthorized access. Every Nexus login requires both password and 2FA code. This stops attackers even if they know your Nexus password.

Nexus Market supports multiple 2FA methods. Choose TOTP apps for your Nexus account. Nexus also accepts PGP-based authentication for advanced users.

Backup your Nexus 2FA settings carefully. Store Nexus recovery codes offline. Losing Nexus 2FA access means account recovery delays. The Nexus support team verifies identity thoroughly before reset.

Enable Nexus 2FA immediately after registration. Most Nexus account compromises involve accounts without 2FA. Protect your Nexus balance with this simple step.

Nexus Market Community

The Nexus marketplace has grown into a trusted platform. Nexus users appreciate the reliable service. Thousands choose Nexus daily for secure transactions.

Nexus Market moderators work continuously. The Nexus team resolves disputes fairly. Both Nexus buyers and sellers receive equal consideration.

Join the Nexus community today. Experience why Nexus leads in security. Your Nexus journey starts with registration. Nexus Market welcomes new members.

Nexus development never stops. The Nexus platform improves constantly. User feedback shapes Nexus priorities. Help make Nexus even better.

Trust Nexus for your marketplace needs. Nexus security protects every user. The Nexus escrow safeguards all transactions. Choose Nexus with confidence.