Raivo

Overview

Raivo is a highly-regarded, open-source two-factor authentication (2FA) app designed specifically for iOS devices. It stands out as a privacy-centric alternative to services like Google Authenticator by focusing on local data storage and complete transparency. With Raivo, your Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP) tokens are securely stored on your device, eliminating reliance on cloud servers or proprietary systems.

Unlike many alternatives, Raivo includes no trackers, analytics, or advertisements, offering a clean and focused user experience. Its open-source nature means the code is publicly available for anyone to review, contributing to a robust and trustworthy security posture. For privacy-conscious iPhone and iPad users seeking a straightforward and secure way to manage their 2FA codes, Raivo is an excellent choice.

Key Features

Local Storage for Enhanced Privacy

Raivo prioritizes your privacy by storing all your 2FA tokens exclusively on your device. It leverages Apple’s secure Keychain technology, ensuring that your sensitive data is encrypted and protected by the robust security features built into iOS. This approach means your codes never leave your device unless you specifically enable iCloud backups (which are handled by Apple’s system, not Raivo’s).

Open-Source Transparency

The entire Raivo codebase is open source and publicly available on GitHub. This level of transparency allows security researchers, developers, and privacy advocates to independently inspect the app’s code, verify its security claims, and ensure there are no hidden vulnerabilities or data-collection practices. This community oversight fosters trust and reinforces Raivo’s commitment to user privacy.

No Trackers, No Ads

Enjoy a truly focused and private authentication experience with Raivo. The app is completely free from any third-party trackers, analytics, or advertisements. This means your usage data isn’t being collected or shared, and you won’t encounter distracting ads, allowing you to quickly and securely generate your 2FA codes without compromise.

Privacy & Security

Raivo is built from the ground up with privacy and security as its core tenets. All 2FA tokens are stored locally on your device, leveraging the iOS Keychain for robust, hardware-backed encryption. This architecture means your sensitive authentication data is not transmitted to Raivo’s servers (because there aren’t any for token storage) or any third-party cloud services by default, significantly reducing your attack surface and protecting your privacy.

Being open source, Raivo benefits from community scrutiny, allowing security experts worldwide to review its code for potential vulnerabilities. This transparency is a critical component of its security model, as it discourages malicious code and builds trust. The absence of trackers and analytics further ensures that your interactions with the app remain private, without any passive data collection. For users who value digital autonomy and robust on-device security, Raivo offers a compelling solution.

Getting Started

1. Download Raivo: Search for “Raivo OTP” in the Apple App Store on your iPhone or iPad and download the free application.
2. Open the App: Launch Raivo once it’s installed. You’ll be presented with a clean interface ready for your first account.
3. Add Your First Account: For a service you wish to protect with 2FA, navigate to its security settings (e.g., Google, Facebook, Twitter, etc.). Look for an option to enable or manage two-factor authentication and select the option to set it up with an authenticator app.
4. Scan QR Code: The service will typically display a QR code. Tap the “Add Account” button (usually a ’+’ icon) in Raivo and use your device’s camera to scan the QR code. Raivo will automatically add the account, and you’ll immediately see your first TOTP code.

Who Is It Best For?

Raivo is an ideal solution for:

• Privacy Advocates: Users who prioritize data sovereignty and want their 2FA tokens stored locally, away from cloud services.
• iOS Users: Individuals firmly within the Apple ecosystem looking for a native, well-integrated 2FA app for their iPhone and iPad.
• Open-Source Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate transparent software development and the ability to verify code integrity.
• Users Seeking Simplicity: Anyone desiring a straightforward, ad-free, and tracker-free 2FA experience without unnecessary features or complexities.

Final Verdict

Raivo stands out as an exemplary privacy-focused 2FA authenticator for iOS users, effectively replacing Google Authenticator with a more transparent and secure model. Its commitment to open source, local data storage, and the complete absence of trackers or ads makes it a top-tier choice for those who value digital privacy. While its iOS-only nature and lack of built-in cloud sync might be a minor inconvenience for some, these very aspects contribute significantly to its robust privacy posture.

For anyone seeking a reliable, secure, and genuinely private way to manage their two-factor authentication codes on their Apple devices, Raivo comes highly recommended. It delivers on its promises of security and privacy without compromising on ease of use, making it an excellent tool for enhancing your online security.