2-Factor Authentication
What Is 2-FA ?...
Two-Factor Authentication (2-FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring two different types of proof before granting access to your Online Accounts.
This is, typically, something you know (like a Password) and something you have (such as a mobile phone that receives a Verification Code).
By demanding this second verification step, 2-FA makes it dramatically harder for Hackers or Unauthorised Users to break into your Online Accounts, even if they've somehow obtained your initial Password.
What Is 1-Factor Authentication ?
Single-factor authentication is like using a Single Key to unlock your home. After your unique user name (usually your email address), you then only need one type of proof - usually a Password - to access your Online Account.
It's simple but not very secure.
If there's been a data breach (e.g. British Airways Customer Database was breached and leaked a few years ago); or hackers run an automated script to try to Log-On by matching your email address against their Dictionary of 10's of millions of leaked or common P@55w0rd5; it is easy to then easy to gain access your Online Account.
What Is 2-Factor Authentication ?
Two-factor authentication (2-FA) is like having a Key and an Alarm Code to unlock your Home....but this Code is different for each of your Online Accounts and automatically changes every 30 seconds!
You need two things to gain access, typically your Password plus something else like a Code sent to your phone.
While enabling 2-FA introduces an extra step when logging-on to an Online Account, doing this makes it much harder for Hackers to break-in.
What Are The Benefits of 2-FA ?
- 2-FA is safer because even if someone steals your Password, they can't access your account without the Second Factor; and this Factor automatically changes every 30 seconds
- this significantly reduces the risk of your Online Accounts being hacked
- thus increasing the protection of your Online Accounts; which contain sensitive personal information and, very often, your money and/or the ability to spend it !
When Should I Use 2-FA ?
2-FA is commonly used for controlling access to Accounts for:
- Online Banking & Finance-related
- Email & Associated Apps e.g. Microsoft365 & Google Workspace
- Social Media e.g. Facebook
- Online Shopping e.g. Amazon & eBay
How Do I Enable 2-FA ?
There is no cost to Enabling 2-FA.
2-FA is sometimes enabled by the organisation with whom you have an Online Account. This particularly applies to Banking and Finance.
In this case, the Authentication Code is often delivered to you by text or email. It's referred to as 'OTP' - a single use - 'One Time Passcode'.
For Email, Social Media and Shopping, the onus if often on you to Enable 2-FA by going to your Account 'Profile' and/or Account 'Security'.
In this second case, there is often an option is to use a 2-FA App. The different Code generated by these Apps automatically for each Account changes every 30 seconds.
See a separate 'Hot Topic' article on free Authentication Apps for both Android and Apple iOS.
HTS are happy to answer any Questions or to help you Get Started with better securing access to your Online Accounts. Contact Us