What is Two Factor Authentication and Why You Should Use It
Two factor authentication, often known as 2FA, protects login accounts by requiring an additional way of authentication when you log in.
System Force I.T. always encourages strong passwords, with a range of characters and numbers, including special characters, however passwords just aren’t good enough.
Cyber attacks have increased over 150% in 2021, and looks for no slowdown, so it’s important to have a secondary security method that requires a live passcode to access your accounts.
Here’s an explanation of 2FA and the importance of it
Human error is the most common method for a hacker to gain access to your account, and all it takes is one slip up or a breach to gain access.
2FA isn’t a replacement for passwords, but an extra layer after your password login. This is now becoming a common practice to stop any unauthorised access getting into your accounts from just a password.
Here’s the Traditional Two-Factor Authentication, where after logging into your account; you are asked to authenticate the login and approve access.
Turning 2FA on forces a secondary verification method.
There are several types of ‘factors’ that can be used for authentication:
Here’s several different methods of 2FA (Two Factor Authentication)
Biometric – Most of us use biometric authentication daily – on our smartphones! Whether facial recognition or fingerprint scanning, we all use different means of authorisation that is unique to us, so that nobody else can access our smartphone.
Most Apple Macbooks have a biometric fingerprint reader that is needed to login to a machine.
You also see on TV shows that high-security vaults or top secure places use biometric unique to one place for top security.
Push Notifications – Most commonly using a 2FA application, like Google Authenticator or Duo, where after logging into your device, the app will push a notification to your smartphone device to confirm logging in. You can accept or deny the login, which will provide you a detailed report on the location that attempted to log in.
One Time Password – A unique password that is sent to you for a one time use only. This can be reset several times, but it also reduces the risk of cyber-attacks because the code is unique and only the individual has access to it. This could be in the form of a physical token or a push notification.
E-mail or SMS – Using this method sends an e-mail or a text message containing a one-time code that you need to log in to your device. It’s important to note that using your personal phone for work-related information is against GDPR.
Physical Security Keys – If you don’t have a work phone, this may be your best option.
Whilst these cost money, security keys are the strongest method of 2FA, as it’s near impossible for a hacker to gain access.
In all corporate systems, two-factor authentication is critical.
Here’s why 2FA (Two Factor Authentication) is important!
As more cyber-attacks occur, keeping your accounts safe and secure should be a key priority for any business.
Human error plays a significant role in cyber-attacks, and hackers exploit it to gain access to systems and databases.
Having two-factor authentication in place can help with this. Even if hackers have a login password, adding an extra layer of security to your systems can prevent them from accessing your accounts.
System Force I.T. provides solutions for all 2FA methods – push notifications, one time password, e-mail or SMS and physical security keys.
If you have a work phone, then we would recommend to get 2FA via an authenticator app that sends push notifications and/or creates one-time passwords.
If you do not have a work phone, then we recommend physical security keys as a method of 2FA.
These two authentication methods are most effective to use.
Let’s help you be more secure and adapt your business systems with a two-factor authentication method.
System Force I.T. provides a variety of cybersecurity services, including anti-virus and anti-malware software, firewalls, and custom solutions.
System Force IT provides 24/7 IT support and engineering help with all our services. Our IT infrastructure management team are responsible for the backbone of your business. Monitoring and maintaining both physical and virtual services in real-time.
System Force IT provides 24/7 IT support and engineering help with all our services. Our IT infrastructure management team are responsible for the backbone of your business. Monitoring and maintaining both physical and virtual services in real-time.