Two-Factor Authentication: Double Protection for Your Data

Secure your online identity with two-factor authentication (2FA). Learn how to protect your accounts from unauthorized access by activating a second layer of security in our magazine. We’ll show you the benefits and the best ways to use 2FA.

Two-factor authentication: double protection for your data

Digitalization continues to advance. Although this brings with it many advantages, it also means that we have to protect our data and information more and better in order to protect it from attacks. More than a simple password is required for this. A significantly more secure method is the so-called two-factor authentication (2FA). This article looks at this security mechanism and its benefits to secure our data.

What is two-factor authentication?

Two-factor authentication is a security procedure designed to make it more challenging to access our data and information. One-factor authentication only requires entering a password. With two-factor authentication, on the other hand, you need to enter a second factor in addition to the password in order to gain access to your accounts and data. Three different categories come into question as a second factor:

• Knowledge (something you know): this is usually a password or a PIN
• Possession (something you have): here we are talking about, for example, a chip card or a TAN generator
• Biometrics (something that you are): this means a fingerprint, an iris scan, or facial recognition

How does two-factor authentication work?

Nothing changes to your original registration process. Another step supplements this. First, enter your password or PIN as usual. The second factor you chose will then be asked. Various methods can be used for this:

• SMS or call: here, the user receives a code for one-time use via SMS or call
• Authentication apps: the user installs an app such as Google Authenticator on their smartphone and uses it to generate time-based codes
• Security tokens: these are physical devices that generate a one-time code
• Biometric data: biometric data such as fingerprint, facial recognition, or iris scans are used for authentication

Why do I need two-factor authentication?

Many users need to be made aware of the importance of a secure password and use passwords that are too simple and insecure. These can be easy to guess if, for example, names or dates of birth are used as passwords.

Hacker attacks are not something to be trifled with! Therefore, you should definitely use two-factor authentication. Even if your password falls into the hands of an unauthorized person, your data will still be protected because the hacker is faced with the hurdle of the second factor. He can only get your data and information if he also has knowledge or possession of the second factor.

Tips for the correct use of two-factor authentication

• Use two-factor authentication on all platforms and for all your accounts. Nowadays, there are only some platforms that offer two-factor authentication.
• Use different categories of factors and combine them. For example, a combination of passwords, authenticator apps, and fingerprints is considered very secure.
• If you use physical devices for authentication, keep them in a safe location and keep sensitive information such as PINs and access codes to yourself.
• Even with two-factor authentication, update your passwords regularly to ensure the security of your data further.

Conclusion

Securing your data is now more critical than ever. It’s best to use two-factor authentication because it offers an additional layer of security that goes beyond your password. The extra effort this creates for you is minimal – the additional protection is even more excellent.

Also Read: Online Security: Digital Certifications And Two-factor Authentication