The PhoneFactor (News - Alert) App, unveiled in 2011 for iPhones and iPads, and capable of adding a third method to secure account logins and transactions using a phone, has now extended itself to Android (News - Alert) devices.

As smartphones and tablets have woven themselves into the fabric of daily life, PhoneFactor is using these very devices to provide multi-factor authentication through the “Authentication App.” Many users seem to prefer this form of authentication over security tokens, according to company officials.

"Smartphones and tablets are the multi-tool of today's professional generation. Busy hyper-taskers use them for everything from checking e-mail and paying bills to remotely performing complex and high risk job tasks. The PhoneFactor App makes multi-factor authentication second-nature for them," commented Tim Sutton, CEO at PhoneFactor. "We're glad that Android is now available so that everyone can experience App Authenticating."

When users try to login to an enterprise application or conduct online transaction on their desktops, the PhoneFactor pops up a notification box onto the user's iPad or iPhone (News - Alert). An alert asks the user to verify account logins or transactions by either entering a PIN or tapping on the authentication button.

In case of unauthorized entry, the app delivers a notification both to the actual user and to the IT department. If a fraud has been committed, the user uses the “Report Fraud” option, alerts the company's fraud response team and blocks the attacker.

Users can "App Authenticate" anywhere if the user's mobile device is connected to either a cellular or a Wi-Fi network, which can be a huge plus point to iOS and Android users.

As the authentication system is already available in the form of text messages and voice calls, it triggers the push of the notification into the mobile phone.

Companies that use PhoneFactor can download the PhoneFactor App in the Apple (News - Alert) App Store or the Android Marketplace for free. It is easy to set up and cost-effective.