Did you know?
Clef Plug-in had over 1 Million active users!
The Clef plug-in was founded by Mark Hudnall, Jesse Pollak and B Byrne in 2013. The app is widely known and trusted by many users for its unique two-factor authentication. However, on March 7, 2017 – a surprise announcement was made that the App will be shutting down by June 6, 2017. No support will be offered by the Clef team after 6th of June. So, the users who are currently using Clef as their login security app should uninstall Clef and start looking for other options.
About the Clef Plug-in
Clef is a mobile app that offers two-factor authentication for websites. It helps users manage their passwords with a single login. It offers added security to websites as it stores encrypted passwords in private accounts. It has a two-factor verification method that requires users to confirm their identity via their mobile phone.
What it did
It offered a new way to secure website by using a secured two two-factor authentication via Clef app. You didn’t have to remember a password and yet it was one of the most secured login available when it was launched. It came free of cost and offered utmost security.
Why the two-factor authentication so important?
When it was launched, there wasn’t anything available that could offer such astounding security for websites. The two- factor authentication includes secured login by a user who had to identify himself/herself via their mobile phone in order to access their site.
With a world where hacking is gaining so much momentum, it is imperative to keep your website secure from hackers. It is easy for malicious hackers to crack down your password. But with a two-factor authentication, they cannot just hack your site without clearing the second factor. It could be an OTP, push notification, code scan etc. that can only be accessed through the app on the user smartphone.
Why the Clef app is shutting down?
As per SEC filings, during September 2016, Clef tried to raise funds but wasn’t successful. The founders said that although they were able to raise additional funding for the app, things didn’t look good for the future.
When asked about the app shutdown –
Byrne said: “We weren’t able to find a business model that would make our growth sustainable.”
It only made money through corporate packages, for other users it was a free app.
Now, as the app is shutting down, it is time for us users to look for other options and uninstall the app correctly without compromising site security.
Here’s how to uninstall and transition away from Clef app
We have divided the uninstallation guide for three different types of users:
- Those who use Clef plug-in on a WordPress site
- Those who use Clef plug-in on a non-WordPress site
- Those who have integrated Clef using Clef API
#1. Those who use Clef plug-in on a WordPress site
For those who are using WordPress and Clef, you can easily uninstall Clef plugin and install replacement like Authy or Google authenticator (both offer two-step verification) to secure your website. Here are the steps to uninstall:
- Go to your WordPress site and log in
- In dashboard, go to plugin section
- Find the Clef plugin
- Click on Deactivate
- After deactivating, delete the plugin.
#2. Those who use Clef plugin on a non-WordPress site
If you are using Clef plugin for a non-WordPress site then all you have to do is disable Clef on your account and activate the other form of two-factor authentication such as Google or Authy.
For most sites, you can check security settings. If you’re not sure then consult a developer or contact Clef support to help you out.
#3. Those who have integrated Clef using Clef API
Firstly, you need to disable your clef integration. Then integrate another form of two-factor authentication for your website or app. You need to inform your users that Clef support is going to end on your website and an alternate form of two-factor authentication is going to replace it.
For more assistance, you can get in touch with Clef [email protected].
