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Technology users worry about their digital security and are concerned about hackers discovering their private information. Viruses, successful phishing campaigns, and educated guesses are the most common ways that login passwords are uncovered without user permission. 2-factor authentication is a way of adding an extra layer of security to a technology user’s profile, to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to free and paid accounts like Dropbox pricing. In some cases, a security code is sent to the user via email or text message to log in to an account. Other sites ask users to set up a secret question or pick an image that only they would know. Whichever method they use, technology is increasingly relying on 2-factor authentication to keep technology users’ information safe and secure.
How Two Factor Authentication Works
Two factor authentication, also known as 2FA or TFA, requires a username and password along with another piece of information to login into an account. This additional piece of information can be something specific to the user that they have in the physical world like a phone or device. Or, it can be something that the user only specifically knows about themselves. These additional verification factors are known as multi factor authentication. These additional steps make it exponentially harder for anyone to gain unauthorized access and commit cybercrime activities.
2FA Vulnerabilities
As with any other security measure, there are two factor authentication vulnerabilities that can be exploited by a hacker. One such vulnerability is the presence of account recovery features. Account recovery bypasses 2FA processes entirely. However, as long as you still have access to your account, you can quickly respond to threats as long as you receive email alerts. This is just something to keep in mind. 2FA is not perfect, just like any other IT security strategies you use for your digital project.
Types Of Two Factor Authentication
There are many types of two factor authentication because there are many types of authentication factors or tokens. These authentication tokens are used to prove someone’s identity by providing certain things that only the appropriate individual would know. This helps to keep your Chase payment method info safe. It is important to know the multiple types of authentication factors to decide which one is most effective for your needs. The most common authentication factors are:
- Knowledge factors
- Possession factors
- Disconnected tokens
- Connected tokens
- Inherence factors
Remember the array of two step authentication tools at your disposal when dealing with cyber security for any small business website or any digital project.
Top Sites Using TFA
Google Uses Text Messages For 2-Factor Authentication
Since 2010, Google has used a text message form of 2-factor authentication to keep technology user information safe. If Google does not recognize the computer or device from which a technology user is attempting to access an account, a text message with a security code is sent to a phone number on file when the account was established. The technology user enters this code to gain access. This is a common form of 2-factor authentication found in many online technology products requiring a login.
Facebook Introduced 2-Factor Authentication in 2011
About a year after Google implemented 2-factor authentication, Facebook introduced a similar system that sends a text message with a unique code to a technology user’s registered cell phone. It works in the same manner as Google’s 2-factor authentication, but is currently an optional feature. 2-factor authentication on Facebook keeps technology users’ information safe and secure as people increasingly use Facebook for communication. Facebook also stores a significant amount of personal profile data which technology users would like to keep safe from hacker’s eyes. Likewise, Facebook acts as the second authentication factor for some of the best dating apps available.
Twitter Also Uses Text Messages For 2-Factor Authentication
Technology grows business, but it also puts it at an increased risk for cyber threats. That is why Twitter uses a similar 2-factor authentication method similar to Google. Technology users are sent a security code via text message, which users enter to gain access from a device unrecognized by Twitter’s security service. This system has been in place since 2013.
Unfortunately, Twitter’s security measures have been criticized by technology users, making the 2-factor authentication seem like a band-aid to some. The system does not account for users having multiple Twitter handles with only one phone, and the options for changing a password if a phone is lost or restrictive. Despite these concerns, 2-factor authentication is an important tool offered to technology users by Twitter.
Online Banking Websites Use 2-Factor Authentication
Online banking websites use a different method of 2-factor authentication to secure technology users’ information. Some may use the text message technique detailed above, but many banking sites are opting for technology users to pick a unique photo or enter a unique phrase that hackers would be unable to guess. This is very important for anyone who is using an online Chase payment method. Banks that do not currently use 2-factor authentication are criticized for leaving technology users’ accounts exposed to hackers.
We Have All Been Using 2-Factor Verification For Years
Not only technology users rely on 2-factor authentication to keep their information safe. In fact, the general public has been using it for years in the form of ATM cards that not only require the physical card be entered in a machine, but also the input of a secret code that only the user should know. Most people understand the importance of keeping their bank savings secure with 2 steps of verification, so it is a useful analogy for technology users that may not be fond of 2-factor authentication to check an email or update Facebook statuses.
2-factor authentication is an important security feature that more technology users should embrace. Many top technology companies have introduced some form of 2-factor authentication or authentication sites to keep data secure, but there is still a ways to go. Perhaps pressure from technology users for more websites and companies to implement 2-factor authentication would increase its adoption in the technology field.
Image from https://halfelf.org/2013/two-factor-authentication/
