Words (Core Vocabulary)
- account / username / email / handle
- password / passphrase / password manager
- 2FA / MFA (two-/multi-factor) / authenticator app / SMS code
- backup/recovery codes / recovery email/phone
- single sign-on (SSO) / sign-in with…
- biometrics (Face/Touch ID) / security key (FIDO/U2F)
- session / device / trusted device
- permissions / access / revoke / approve
- logout / reset password
- app update / patch / version
Phrases (Secure → use → recover)
Setup & security
- Please enable two-factor authentication on my account.
- Where do I find my backup codes? I’ll store them offline.
- Could you verify this login attempt was me?
Permissions & devices
- Show me which devices are signed in—I’ll sign out of old ones.
- Revoke access for this third-party app.
- Turn off SMS codes and use an authenticator app instead.
Recovery
- I lost my phone—how do I recover using backup codes?
- Please reset my password and send a link to my recovery email.
- Can you remove the old authenticator and let me re-enrol?
Contextual Examples (Natural, everyday)
- Security check: Unrecognized login in another city—I’ll reset the password and enable 2FA.
- New device: Prompt says “approve sign-in” on my phone—that was me.
- Lockout: I changed phones and lost codes—requesting recovery with ID verification.
Collocations & Phrases (bold the key words)
Hygiene
- create a strong passphrase
- use a password manager
- rotate compromised passwords
- update apps regularly
2FA
- enable two-factor
- generate backup codes
- enrol a security key
- switch to an authenticator app
Access
- review active sessions
- revoke permissions
- approve/deny login prompts
- reset a password
Canadian Cultural Context (How to sound natural & polite)
- Many banks/government portals require 2FA; backup codes can prevent lockouts.
- Password managers are common and acceptable; store master passwords securely.
- If you’re locked out of a critical service, ask about in-person or ID-verified recovery.
Extra Mini-Patterns (plug-and-play)
- Turn on 2FA: “Please enable two-factor and show me where to download backup codes.”
- Audit devices: “List active sessions—I’ll sign out of older devices.”
- Recovery: “I lost my phone; reset my 2FA and let me re-enrol with a security key.”