Logging into an account has become a daily occurrence. You could be doing a little online shopping, checking your email, posting to social media, paying your bills, or using a payment app to send money to friends and family. Businesses also need to have the right cybersecurity measures in place to protect sensitive information.
Protect personal and financial information with more than just a password. Continue reading to learn all about what two-factor authorization is and its importance below!
What Is Two-Factor Authentication?
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a type of multi-factor authentication (MFA) that provides a higher level of access security. Whereas single-factor authentication (SFA) requires a password or passcode, two-factor authentication requires two authentication factors to verify one’s identity.
With 2FA turned on, attackers have a harder time gaining access to a person’s device or online accounts. That is because, even if the password is hacked, the password alone is not enough.
Protect Your Accounts From Hackers
There are different tactics hackers use to steal passwords and get into accounts.
- Hackers can buy credentials stolen in data breaches.
- Hackers can try using a username and password to log in to more accounts, a reason not to reuse the same credentials.
- If hackers have the username, they can use software to guess the password.
- Through phishing attacks, scammers trick people into giving up their login credentials.
Create strong passwords to safeguard your important data and further prevent unauthorized access to your accounts with two-factor authentication!
What Are the Different Types of Authentication Factors?
There are several ways in which someone can be authenticated.
Authentication factors fall into three categories.
- A knowledge factor is something you know, like a password, a PIN, or the answer to a security question.
- A possession factor is something you have, like a security key or a one-time verification passcode.
- An inheritance factor is something you inherited as a physical trait, like your fingerprint, face, or retina.
Two-factor authentication is increasingly being used by websites and apps. You may be given one option or have a choice of which authentication method to choose. Here are the most common methods available.
A One-Time Passcode
A one-time passcode is a security feature that sends a number via text message or email. This is good for one login and is typically six digits long and expires after 15 minutes.
Using a strong password and 2FA on your email account will make it harder for hackers to get into your email and steal your passcode. Be sure not to share your verification code with someone you did not contact first; a scammer could be trying to trick you.
An Authenticator App
You can take security a step further with authenticator apps, which replace the need for a one-time code. Google Authenticator for Apple and Android and Microsoft Authenticator for Apple and Android are popular options.
Typically, you’d log into your online account with your username and password. Then the app provides a six or eight-digit number, which changes every 30 seconds and is different for every login. Entering the correct number completes the verification process.
A Security Key or Hardware Token
Alternatively, a security key or hardware token could be used. Both are physical devices.
Security keys are passwordless, using encryption to confirm the key is associated with your account. Some are plugged into your computer’s USB port, while others connect wirelessly with near-field communication. Several businesses encourage their employees to use a security key when working on sensitive data or logging in from a remote location.
Hardware tokens, one of the oldest forms of 2FA, are about the size of a key fob and generate a numeric code, usually every 30 seconds. Businesses can give their employees hardware tokens. However, these can be easy to lose or misplace, leading businesses to switch to another method.
Protect Your Account With Two-Factor Authentication
Add extra security to your company’s data without giving up the mobility your employees expect.
At CC3 Solutions, we offer secure and reliable solutions for your business. We’ll set up mobile devices with the specific software, settings, and apps you need before sending them out for delivery. That way, everything will be ready to go. We’ll also support you throughout the entire mobile lifecycle.
To get started, contact our team today!
