Strengthened protective measures implemented for the Finance platform
The Ministry of Finance in Portugal has implemented a new security measure to enhance the protection of taxpayer data – two-factor authentication (2FA). This optional feature aims to provide an additional layer of protection when accessing the taxpayer-restricted area of the Finance Portal.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to enable 2FA for individual taxpayers with business activity in Portugal:
1. Log in to the Finance Portal with your standard credentials (username and password). 2. Navigate to your account or profile settings area and find a section related to security or login preferences, often labeled as “2-step verification”, “Two-factor authentication”, or “Multi-factor authentication”. 3. Select the option to enable 2FA. You will likely need to register a mobile phone number capable of receiving SMS text messages or use an authentication app (Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or similar applications) to get verification codes. 4. Enter the received verification code into the portal to confirm ownership of the phone or authenticator app. Optionally, you may be able to mark the device as “trusted” to minimize future verification prompts.
If the Finance Portal employs a more modern authentication system like Okta or Duo, you may be instructed to set up Okta Verify or Duo Push as the MFA method, which sends a push notification to an app on your smartphone for seamless verification instead of SMS codes. You may also be able to use a security key or biometric authenticator for stronger security if supported.
It's essential to ensure your mobile number is up to date within your profile, and apps based on time-based one-time passwords (TOTP), like Google Authenticator, are more secure and recommended. Follow any specific instructions provided by Portugal’s Finance Portal during the setup.
Currently, the personal area can be accessed by entering the NIF (Individual Taxpayer Registry) and access code, or by authenticating with the Citizen Card or Digital Mobile Key. To enroll in two-factor authentication, a citizen's telephone number must be registered and confirmed with the Tax Authority.
The Ministry plans to gradually make the two-factor authentication feature available to individual taxpayers with business activity and legal entities. If your access is governed by specific regulations or systems in Portugal, you can check the official Finance Portal (Portal das Finanças) or contact their support for exact guidance.
By implementing 2FA, the Ministry of Finance continues its efforts to secure the Finance Portal and protect taxpayer data from unauthorized access.
The Ministry of Finance in Portugal has announced that two-factor authentication (2FA) will soon be available for individual taxpayers with business activity, aiming to strengthen the security of their sensitive data. To enable 2FA, navigate to your account settings on the Finance Portal, select the option to enable, and provide a verified mobile number for receiving authentication codes or use an authentication app. By following the provided instructions, you can enhance the protection of your taxpayer data on the Finance Portal.
