Your online accounts are vulnerable to hack attacks, even if you use strong passwords.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an extra layer of protection that can stop a cyber crook from logging in.
“It’s designed to slow them down,” said Chester Wisniewski, a principal research scientist at Sophos.
Two-factor authentication means you need something you have – such as a mobile phone – and something you know – a one-time code – to access your account. This is significantly more secure than just the password.
“A password is really just a fancy word for a secret, and having something along with it means if somebody gets the secret, they still can’t just waltz in and take over your identity,” Wisniewski explained.
Usually, that second factor is a six-digit number sent to you via text or email. Or it could show up on an authenticator app on your phone. It could even be a call to your phone.
“It’s not entirely foolproof, but Google and Microsoft estimate that 2FA thwarts more than 99% of account takeovers,” Wisniewski told me.
If your important accounts offer two-factor authentication and it’s not already enabled, turn it on. It’s the best thing you can do to secure those accounts.
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