Two-Factor Authentication - Keeping Ahead of the Bad Guys

Most of us know someone or have heard of someone who has had an online account compromised. Whether this person had a Facebook account, an email account, or even a bank account hacked, the bad guys gained access by obtaining the password through a phishing attack or other means. And when they obtained access, mayhem ensued.

These account hacks are becoming more and more commonplace, but there is an option that all of us should embrace where possible. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) involves employing an additional verification step when logging into an account. This method could involve sending a numeric code via text to the user’s mobile phone which the user then enters, utilizing an authenticator app which generates a rotating set of codes to be entered, or even biometric scans where the user is validated by retina or fingerprint scans. This one extra authentication step will thwart the vast majority of hacks.

In using 2FA, it can take a moment longer to get logged into your account, but it soon seems like a basic part of the login process. In the end, it is well worth the extra few seconds per login to adequately protect your personal assets or those of your company. 2FA is becoming more prevalent (Microsoft Office 365, Facebook, Intuit, PayPal, Dropbox, Apple, Amazon, LinkedIn, Venmo all have it available), and we recommend that you use it where available.