In today’s age of technology, you have to be more diligent in securing your personal information. Cybercriminals have evolved from password stealing and have improved methods to steal your personal information.
And that’s why 2fa solutions were made. Stick around and learn how 2FA can help save your data and information!
What is 2 Factor Authentication?
Two Factor Authentication, also known as TFA or 2FA is an extra layer of security that requires not only a username and a password but also a form of personal information that’s unique that only the user knows.
Since 2 Factor Authentication uses information that only you know, will make it harder for intruders to obtain access and take that person’s identity or data.
Types of 2fa Solutions
There is a multitude of 2fa solutions out there. Here are the three most popular choices:
- Information that you know: This information can be specific to the user. It can be stored in the form of a secret question, a PIN number, or a password.
- Something you have: This is related to your device and can be a mobile phone, SIM Card, USB stick, a token a key fob, or an ID card.
- Something that defines you: This is usually a biological factor such as voice or face recognition, retina scan, handwriting, fingerprint, or DNA. However, these 2FA methods can be expensive, so unless you work for a million dollar/top secret facility, you won’t see this authentication method.
Why Should I Use 2 Factor Authentication?
Well think about it. Passwords are starting to become a thing in the past when it comes to account security. Hackers have keyloggers which can be used to mimic your typing patterns and find the password to your account. They have the ability to test over a billion password combinations within seconds.
To make matters worse, 65% of the people use the same password every time. This makes it even easier for hackers to find your information and steal your identity.
Finding the answers to security questions is just as easy, especially since everyone shares their information on social media. Anyone that talks to us on a daily basis can quickly find out information such as your pet’s name, your graduation year, or the city that you grew up in.
Even if you don’t use social media, some of this can be found in your public records, available for people to see. Others can be found by writing out common names.
This is where 2fa solutions come in handy. It gives you an added layer of protection and makes it harder for cybercriminals to get your 2FA information as they’ll have to get closer to you. This reduces their chances of succeeding in stealing your identity.
Conclusion
Basically, you need to keep your information secure as passwords and security questions aren’t going to cut it. Hackers can find them and get ahold of everything that you own. So it’s best to use 2fa solutions so that you can use your information safely and securely.
Sources:
- https://heimdalsecurity.com/blog/start-using-two-factor-authentication/
- https://www.securenvoy.com/two-factor-authentication/what-is-2fa.shtm
- https://www.openmarket.com/press/enterprise-mobility-protecting-business-employees-customers-two-factor-authentication/
