Only one in ten people with a Google account use two-factor authentication to protect their data online, yet it could reduce the chances of their account being hacked by 50%.
It might seem like an inconvenience, but this additional layer of security is necessary to stop hackers from accessing your online accounts. In this blog, we delve into how it works and why itâs so important.
What is two-factor authentication?
Two-factor authentication works by piecing together two unrelated pieces of information to confirm your identity.
You’ll be prompted to enter your password when you log in to your account, whether itâs an email account, a bank account, or a device like a phone or iPad. If this is correct, youâll be asked to provide a second piece of information. This might be biometric information, such as your fingerprint, or a string of numbers from an authenticator app like Google Authenticator.
Examples of two-factor authentication
There are various types of authentication, but they can all be categorised into three groups:
- What you know, such as a password or answer to a security question
- What you have, for example, a piece of hardware like a phone
- What you are, e.g. biometrics such as facial recognition or a fingerprint
As the name suggests, two-factor authentication asks for two of these things. The most common combination is a password followed by a one-time passcode (OTP) sent via SMS.
Some providers may also give you a piece of hardware, known as a âsecurity tokenâ, to use. This works by generating random strings of numbers that you enter when prompted by the device or account youâre attempting to log into. This is common with banks.
Why is two-factor authentication important?
Passwords arenât enough on their own to protect your online accounts. Adding an additional layer of verification unrelated to your password makes it much harder for a hacker to gain access.
Even if someone got hold of your password, they wouldnât be able to access your account without having a second form of identification. Whatâs more, itâs not something they can easily guess or piece together.
And the good news is that 2FA is easy to set up.
How do I set up two-factor authentication?
Two-factor authentication typically resides under âsecurityâ in the settings on whatever platform or device you use. For example, youâll find Gmailâs 2FA settings in your Google account under âsecurityâ.
You can set up 2FA on most devices â a phone, tablet, or computer â as well as your online accounts (email, bank, etc.). Youâll be asked to decide if you want to sign in using 2FA every time or only from a new device or location.
Two-factor authentication – the key takeaway
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security measure that requires two forms of identification to protect your online accounts.
This extra layer of security makes it significantly harder for hackers to access your accounts, even if they have your password. Setting up 2FA is simple and can be done on most devices and accounts.
In today’s digital age, itâs crucial you safeguard your accounts, and 2FA is an easy first step.
For more information on cyber security measures, or if you are looking for external support with IT and security, get in touch with us today.
