Tongue twister and important layer of protection for accounts

“Two-factor authentication” has been named the “Wortgetüm des Jahres 2026” – Germany’s most cumbersome word of the year. While the term may sound complicated, its purpose is remarkably simple. At GBE brokers, this additional layer of protection for the Client Portal forms part of a comprehensive security concept that has also been recognised as part of the FOCUS MONEY / Deutschland Test survey “Highest Security”.

Even in English, “two-factor authentication” is not exactly a term that rolls off the tongue.

A jury of adults with low literacy skills selected the German term “Zwei-Faktor-Authentifizierung” as the “Wortgetüm des Jahres 2026”. The initiative by the Berlin Alpha Alliances, the Stiftung Grundbildung Berlin and the Digital Dictionary of the German Language highlights how complex terminology can make important information more difficult to understand.

Ironically, a feature designed to protect people comes with a name that can initially make it seem more complicated than it actually is.

So, let’s break it down.

What does two-factor authentication mean?

The principle is much simpler than the name: when logging in, a password alone is not enough. An additional, independent form of verification is required.

This second factor can, for example, be a time-limited code generated by an authenticator app or a one-time code sent by email. Even if an unauthorised person knows your password, they would still be missing the additional security code.

Or, put even more simply:

Password plus security code means more protection for your account.

The broader term multi-factor authentication, or MFA, is also commonly used.

How MFA protects your GBE brokers Client Portal

GBE brokers has used multi-factor authentication in the Client Portal since January 2025. Additional verification is required for particularly security-sensitive actions:

when logging in to the Client Portal
when making internal transfers
when requesting withdrawals

Customers can verify these actions using an authenticator app or email authentication. With the app method, a newly generated security code is used for each verification. With email authentication, a one-time code is sent to the registered email address.

The additional step takes only a few seconds, but makes it considerably more difficult for unauthorised persons to access a customer account or initiate transactions.

Security is about more than a second factor

Digital account security is an important part of a broader protection concept. Reliable regulation, transparent processes and clear rules for handling client funds and personal data are equally important.

GBE brokers is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission under CIF licence number 240/14. The German branch in Hamburg is also registered with the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority under BaFin ID 10148129.

In addition, GBE brokers operates in accordance with the requirements of the European Markets in Financial Instruments Directive, MiFID II, and is a member of the Investor Compensation Fund. Eligible clients may also benefit, subject to the applicable terms and conditions, from additional insurance protection for amounts exceeding the ICF coverage.

We are particularly pleased that this comprehensive focus on security has also received independent recognition: GBE brokers was recognised as part of the FOCUS MONEY / Deutschland Test B2C survey “Highest Security – Products & Services”.

For us, this recognition is above all confirmation of our commitment to providing our clients with a reliable and protected trading environment.