Approval security
Two-Factor Authentication for Payment Approval
Learn how Disbo uses two-factor authentication at payment approval to add an identity check before applicable law firm payments are released.
Quick answer
How does 2FA protect payment approval?
Two-factor authentication requires an authorized approver to complete a second identity check when approving an applicable payment. It reduces reliance on a password alone and works alongside two-person approval, access controls, and matter-linked records.
Protect the action, not only the login
A login session can last longer than the moment when a user makes a high-impact decision. Requiring another factor at payment approval adds friction exactly where it is useful: before an instruction becomes authorized for release.
For applicable Disbo customers, 2FA for payment approval is live. The approver reviews the payee, amount, matter, funding account, and supporting context, then completes the required authentication step. The approval event is recorded with the payment rather than existing as a disconnected security log.
2FA is one layer of defense. It does not validate the underlying settlement calculation, confirm legal entitlement, or protect a firm whose users share devices or approval factors. Firms should combine it with separate preparer and approver roles, prompt access removal, and independent review.
Exact workflow
Create the payment
A preparer builds the matter-linked instruction and submits it for approval without releasing funds.
Open the approval context
The authorized approver reviews the matter, payee, amount, funding source, delivery method, and relevant records.
Complete the second factor
At approval, Disbo requires the approver to satisfy the configured two-factor authentication check.
Approve or reject
A successful authentication permits the authorized decision; discrepancies can be rejected for correction.
Record the event
The approval identity, timestamp, payment status, and matter relationship remain available in the payment history.
Safeguards in the workflow
Step-up authentication
The second factor is applied to the payment-approval action for applicable workflows.
Two-person approval
A separate preparer and approver reduce the risk of one account controlling the full payment path.
Traceable decisions
Matter-linked approval history helps reviewers connect the authenticated decision to the resulting payment.
Exportable evidence
The relevant records can be included in an exportable compliance or state-bar audit package.
Where this applies
- Applicable Disbo customers whose authorized users approve payments through the supported workflow.
- Firms seeking an additional identity check for remote, hybrid, or distributed approval teams.
- Organizations pairing payment security with documented separation of duties.
Limitations to plan for
- 2FA cannot prevent an authorized person from approving incorrect information they fail to review.
- Users must keep authentication devices and recovery methods secure and report lost access promptly.
- Authentication requirements do not replace bank controls, cybersecurity training, insurance, or incident-response procedures.
Frequently asked questions
Is 2FA required when approving payments in Disbo?
For applicable payment-approval workflows, Disbo's live safeguard requires two-factor authentication at approval.
Is 2FA the same as two-person approval?
No. 2FA verifies an approver with a second factor; two-person approval separates preparation and approval between two authorized people. They work together.
Does 2FA prevent every unauthorized payment?
No security control eliminates every risk. 2FA supports security and compliance but does not guarantee either.
See the controlled workflow in Disbo.
Review applicability, integrations, controls, and record exports with the Disbo team.
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