Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Unless you've been living under a rock the past couple years, you might have noticed a feature being implemented across your various accounts, both online and off. For this article however, we'll simply be addressing online accounts. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) expands on securing access to online accounts, which is more imperative now, than ever before. Data breaches and leaks now happen at an alarming rate and having multiple login hurdles (factors) to overcome, can mean the difference between the user retaining control of an acct, or losing it.

So, 2FA is the 2nd factor in order to gain access, in addition to the usual username and password. While it doesn't guarantee that you're 100% safe, the extra step can help reduce the chances of someone overtaking an account. Some options offered for 2FA on accounts can include either a code generated and sent to a smartphone or use of an authenticator application. If the option is for a code, you will need to have your cellphone number provided to the site, so that it can send an SMS text message to your phone. This process is typically almost instant after you enter in your username and password, you'll be prompted by the site, asking if you wish to send the code to your phone. Some sites don't even ask, they just send it automatically after you've keyed in your password. You then simply type in the code, and account access is granted. The other common option is using an authenticator app such as Google Authenticator. This is software which needs to be downloaded and installed to your device. With an authenticator app, you will be prompted to input a code after entering your username and password. Instead of receiving a code via SMS, you will open your authenticator app, select the account (ie Facebook) that you require a code for, and the app will generate/show a Time-based One Time Password for you to enter to complete the final login step.