Close Menu
  • Technology
  • Gaming
  • Internet Services
  • Mobile Tech
  • General
  • SEO
  • More
    • Software
    • IT
    • Personal Tech
    • Information Technology
    • Artificial Intelligence
Get Tech Expert
  • Technology
  • Gaming
  • Internet Services
  • Mobile Tech
  • General
  • SEO
  • More
    • Software
    • IT
    • Personal Tech
    • Information Technology
    • Artificial Intelligence

Two-Factor Authentication: How and Why To Use It

Sam2 years agoInternet Services, Mobile Tech, Personal Tech, Technology

Imagine waking up one day and realizing you cannot log into your online accounts. You realize that your email has been compromised, your website is hacked and all other online accounts are inaccessible. All this can be prevented by getting two-factor authentication for all your online accounts.

While most people may not already realize it, they use two-factor authentication more regularly than they imagine. Whenever you swipe bankcards and enter a pin or asked to produce your ID when banking, these are everyday examples of tw0-factor authentication processes.

Two-factor authentication is simply an identification process that requires individuals to provide two ways of proving their identity. This authenticating method is commonly used to protect online accounts. Whenever you log into an account online, you are asked to take an extra security measure before you can log into the account. This helps to make data more protected online.

Two-factor authentication online

2FA or two-factor authentication is a security protocol used to add an extra security layer for user online accounts. The process of entering a password when logging into an online account is the most common type of 2FA. Once you enter your password, two-factor authentication requires you to enter a security code sent to your phone via text before you are granted access to your account.

This second layer of security means that a hacker would need to steal your authentication code from your mobile device to access your account.

Types of 2FAs

Generally, there are three types of two-factor authentications. These can be:

  • Something familiar to the user such as a pin, zip code, or answer to a unique question like your mother’s maiden name, your pet’s name, or your former school.
  • Credit card, phone, or fob
  • A biometric like a voice, face, fingerprint, or retina

How the second factor works

Once you enter your password, this is the first authentication process. The second factor is usually sent as a code by phone. You will receive a text message with a numerical code that needs to be entered o be able to log into the account.

Unlike pin codes, two-factor authentication codes are usually only used once. This means that you get a different code each time you log into your account. Apart from receiving the code via text, it is possible to use an authentication app that you simply log into when you need a new code. Popular authentication apps include Authy, Google authenticator, and DuoMobile.

Choosing between SMS and app

Numerous online sites like Amazon, Dropbox, Microsoft, and google come with the option of using an authentications app or SMS. Twitter is a good example of an app that only uses SMS to send codes to users. Therefore, the choice depends on the online site you use and your personal preference.

In terms of security, receiving your two-factor code via text is less secure compared to using the app. Hackers can easily intercept text messages or hijack your phone, prompting the carrier to send the code to another device unknowingly. Besides, if your text messages are synced to your computer, hackers can easily access the codes by hacking your computer.

An authentication app comes with the benefit of not relying on mobile phone carriers by accessing the code directly from the safe app. In-app codes expire every 30 seconds to a minute, making it hard for hackers to access.

Why you should use 2FA

No online account provider can boast of offering 100% foolproof protection to their clients without combining two or more security protocols. Two-factor authentication is the sure way of ensuring third party hackers cannot gain access to your accounts by making it harder to hack.

Two-factor authentication makes your account less attractive or desirable to hackers since it can take time to get a code. This is why it is advisable to register for 2FA even as you download free antivirus for Windows or other security tools for your devices. 2FA makes your account less likely to be hacked. It is an additional security layer every online account holder needs to have.

It is easy to use

Two-factor authentication only requires you to go the extra step and provide a code to log into your accounts. You simply need to enter your password and then enter the 2FA code to gain access to your account.

Using 2FA is hustle free and only takes a few seconds to enter the code. Combining a strong password and 2FA is a sure way of guaranteeing the safety of your online accounts. Ensure your passwords include numbers, letters, and special characters.

Related – Why Do I Need a VPN? Simple Reasons To Buy VPN

Topics #2 factor #2FA #apple pay #authentication #biometric #credit card #email #online account #password #phone #security #sms #text messages #two factor
Previous Post 10 Quick Tips & Tricks for Newbies on Twitter
Next Post Maintain your Transformer and Substation with these tricks

You Might Also Like:

Security Policy Prevents Use of Camera – Tips

Ryan3 hours ago
Liquid Detected In Lightning Connector

Liquid Detected In Lightning Connector

Ryan2 days ago
How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Content Creation

How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Content Creation

Sam6 days ago

Random Posts

  • 2020 Rabbit Alternatives for IOS and Android
    2020 Rabbit Alternatives for IOS and Android
    2 years/
    0 Comments
  • The Different Ways To Advertise A Law Firm And How To Choose
    The Different Ways To Advertise A Law Firm And How To Choose
    1 year/
    0 Comments
  • VoIP vs. Landline – Which Telephony Technology Is Better For Your Business?
    VoIP vs. Landline – Which Telephony Technology Is Better For Your Business?
    2 years/
    0 Comments
  • Minecraft With Ray Tracing Almost Looks Like Minecraft 2
    Minecraft With Ray Tracing Almost Looks Like Minecraft 2
    1 year/
    0 Comments
  • Security Policy Prevents Use of Camera – Tips
    3 hours/
    0 Comments

Recent Posts

  • Security Policy Prevents Use of Camera – Tips
    3 hours/
    0 Comments
  • Liquid Detected In Lightning Connector
    Liquid Detected In Lightning Connector
    2 days/
    0 Comments
  • How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Content Creation
    How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Content Creation
    6 days/
    0 Comments
  • Details on com.dti.folder launcher
    Details on com.dti.folder launcher
    2 weeks/
    0 Comments
  • Portland Local SEO: 4 Factors to Consider
    Portland Local SEO: 4 Factors to Consider
    1 month/
    0 Comments

About Us

Get Tech Expert Logo

Get Tech Expert focused on providing tech enthusiasts with vast variety of articles to follow up.

We cover tech articles for Gaming, Internet, Windows, Mobile, IT and more.

Related Posts

  • Wi-Fi Keep Disconnecting – How to fix it?
    Wi-Fi Keep Disconnecting – How to fix it?
    2 years/
    0 Comments
  • Why Windows 10 Search Not Working? 2021 Solution
    Why Windows 10 Search Not Working? 2021 Solution
    1 year/
    0 Comments
  • Why More Companies Are Choosing Hard Drive Shredding
    Why More Companies Are Choosing Hard Drive Shredding
    3 years/
    0 Comments
  • Why Is User Research Important?
    Why Is User Research Important?
    11 months/
    0 Comments
  • Why is it important for small businesses to have IT support?
    Why is it important for small businesses to have IT support?
    2 years/
    0 Comments

Most Viewed Posts

  • Security Policy Prevents Use of Camera – Tips
    3 hours/
    0 Comments
  • Top 10 apps you must have in your apple phones
    Top 10 apps you must have in your apple phones
    3 years/
    0 Comments
  • Web Development
    Web Development
    3 years/
    0 Comments
  • 3 Great Games for PC to Play with Your friend
    3 Great Games for PC to Play with Your friend
    3 years/
    0 Comments
  • Ways Malicious Software End Up on Your Phone
    Ways Malicious Software End Up on Your Phone
    3 years/
    0 Comments

Recent Posts

  • Security Policy Prevents Use of Camera – Tips
    3 hours/
    0 Comments
  • Liquid Detected In Lightning Connector
    Liquid Detected In Lightning Connector
    2 days/
    0 Comments
  • How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Content Creation
    How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Content Creation
    6 days/
    0 Comments
  • Details on com.dti.folder launcher
    Details on com.dti.folder launcher
    2 weeks/
    0 Comments
  • Portland Local SEO: 4 Factors to Consider
    Portland Local SEO: 4 Factors to Consider
    1 month/
    0 Comments

© Copyright 2021 Get Tech Expert · All Rights Reserved.

  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy