Editor’s Pick: From Today Start Using Two-Factor Authentication

Security in all perspectives is very key and important. There are many features, measures, third-parties, among others that have been put in place to ensure that security is tight. For instance, ‘Two-Factor Authentication’ a free security feature that gives you an an extra layer of security used to make sure that people trying to gain access to your online account(s) are who they say they are.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a subset of multi-factor authentication (MFA) that strengthens access security by requiring two methods (also referred to as authentication factors) to verify your identity. It is a method of confirming users’ claimed identities by using a combination of different factors. These factors can include something you know – like a username and password – plus something you have – like a smartphone app – to approve authentication requests.

So why should you start using 2FA today?
This is because 2FA is the foundational element of a security model. In order to protect your sensitive data, you must verify that the user(s) trying to access that data are who they say they are. It is an effective way to protect against many security threats that target user passwords and accounts, such as phishing, social engineering, password brute-force attacks, credential exploitation and more. 2FA will secure your logins from attackers exploiting weak or stolen credentials.

If you decide to enable 2FA, each time you sign in to your account, using your password, you’ll receive a one-time security code that’s available for a short period of time.

• The security code will be sent to you through the verification method that you selected in your account settings.
• Currently, 2FA security codes can be received through either an authentication app, the email address or SMS to your mobile device. You can’t have more than one 2FA method enabled.

When you sign in, you’ll be asked to enter the security code from the 2FA method you selected (email, app or SMS). After you enter the code, you’ll be signed in to your account.

You’ll be prompted for a 2FA security code in the following situations:

• The first time you sign in after enabling the feature.
• If you sign in using a new device.
• If it’s been over 30 days since you last signed in.
• If you recently cleared your browser cookies.

Check if the online services and apps you use offer two-factor authentication. If they do, we recommend turning it on. Here’s how to turn of 2FA on social media platforms;

Instagram:

1. Go to your profile and tap then tap Settings.
2. Tap Security and then scroll down and tap Two-Factor Authentication.
3. Tap next to Authentication App, then tap Set Up Manually. If you don’t see the toggle switch, tap Get Started.
4. Tap Copy Key below the Instagram key and paste it into your authentication app.
5. After your Instagram account is linked to your authentication app, copy the 6-digit code your authentication app creates.
6. Go back to the Instagram app, tap Next and paste the 6-digit code to complete the process on that device.

Facebook:

1. Go to your Security and Login Settings.
2. Scroll down to Use two-factor authentication and click Edit.
3. Choose the security method you want to add and follow the on-screen instructions.

When you set up two-factor authentication on Facebook, you’ll be asked to choose one of two security methods:

• Login codes from a third party authentication app.
• Text message (SMS) codes from your mobile phone.

You’ll need to have at least one of these set up in order to use two-factor authentication. Once you have added either text message (SMS) codes or a third party authentication app on your account. All is set.

Twitter:

• In the side menu, click More, then click Settings and privacy.
• Click on your Account settings and click Security.
• Tap Two-factor authentication.
• There are three methods to choose from: Text message, Authentication app, or Security key.

LinkedIn:

If you choose to add two-step verification as an additional layer of security, you’ll be asked to select an option for the type of verification method you prefer. There are two options for you to choose from; Text message or Authentication app.

Turning on for your email address, Google (Gmail) – https://bit.ly/2Ypiazh, Yahoo (Yahoo Mail) – https://yhoo.it/2Yk1kSI, Microsoft (Outlook) – https://bit.ly/3dTyI9h, AOL Mail – https://aol.it/2zknH1G.

With 2FA, a potential compromise of just one of these factors won’t unlock the account. So, even if your password is stolen or your phone is lost, the chances of a someone else having your second-factor information is highly unlikely. Looking at it from another angle, if a consumer uses 2FA correctly, websites and apps can be more confident of the user’s identity, and unlock the account.

Passwords remain a leading cause of security breaches this could be because of use of weak passwords. Unfortunately, they still remain as a way many companies protect their users or individuals protect themselves. Adding 2FA on your password is therefore advantageous. The good news is that with the raise in cybercrime 2FA awareness is quickly growing and users are demanding that the companies they do business with have improved security.