Why You Should Turn On Two-Factor Authentication Today

Why should you turn on two-factor authentication today? Many people still use weak, easily guessed passwords or reuse them across multiple accounts, making them highly vulnerable to breaches. Since passwords alone can be compromised through phishing, brute force, or other cyberattacks, they are no longer enough. Two-factor authentication (2FA) needs an additional step of verification, adding an extra security that is strongly recommended.

By enabling 2FA, you strengthen your online security and lower the risk of falling prey to cyberattacks. In this guide, we will explore three common 2FA methods and explain why enabling 2FA matters.

What Is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)?

2FA is a security method that adds extra protection for your accounts. 2FA requires two forms of identification to verify a user’s identity, making it difficult for attackers to access your accounts, even if they have your password.

Even if your password gets breached through phishing or brute force attacks, the second factor (like a code from your phone) makes it harder for attackers to gain access.

How Does Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Work?

Enabling 2FA is an easy process that involves a few steps:

1. First, log in with your username and password to the website, app, or service you want to secure.
2. The system recognizes your login and then prompts you for a second factor.
3. The next step doesn’t require passwords; the website or app will generate a unique code for you. 
4. The code is either sent to your registered phone number via SMS or generated by an authentication app.
5. Input the specific code, and the site’s server will validate it.
6. If both factors are verified, the user finally gets access to the account.

Note: Second factors also include hardware tokens, biometrics, credit cards, and ID cards. 

Why You Should Enable 2FA on Your Device?

Below, I have mentioned strong reasons that will convince you to enable 2FA on your device:

• User-friendly: 2FA is easy to set up. You can save yourself and your data from trouble within seconds by enabling it. 
• Strong security against hacking: 2FA makes it difficult for hackers to access your accounts. Even if they steal your password, they’ll still need the second verification factor (like a code from your phone) to log in.
• Protection against common threats: It helps protect against various cyber threats, including password theft, social engineering, keylogging, phishing attacks, and brute force attacks.
• Reduced risk of fraud and data breaches: 2FA minimizes the risk of scams, data breaches, and identity theft, too.
• Peace of mind: Knowing your accounts are secure with 2FA helps reduce stress about potential security breaches.
• Compliance with regulations: Some industries and regulations strongly recommend 2FA to protect sensitive data, making it a necessity for certain companies/organisations and individuals.

How to Enable 2FA?

Before enabling 2FA, first decide which accounts you want to protect with 2FA (email, social media, banking, etc). Then, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your account on the platform you’ve chosen. 
2. After that, find security settings under Settings, Security, or a similar menu option.
3. Find an option saying 2-Step Verification or Two-Factor Authentication, or a similar option, and click on it to begin the setup process.
4. Next, the window will ask you to choose an authentication method:

Two-Factor Authentication App

If you choose this method, apps like Google Authenticator, Authy, LastPass Authenticator, or Microsoft Authenticator are available in your mobile device's app store. Once downloaded, link the app to your account to start generating one-time codes. These apps create one-time passwords or codes that you’ll need to enter along with your password.

Email-Based Two-factor Authentication

This 2FA method adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts, asking for a one-time code that is sent to your email ID in addition to your password when logging in. This method reduces the risk of suspicious access to your accounts, as it requires both your password and access to your email. 

SMS-Based 2FA

In the SMS-based method, a verification code is sent to the user’s registered mobile phone via SMS. The user then enters this code, along with their password, to authenticate. 

Note: If your number is not supported for SMS 2FA, you may see the error: 'SMS to this region is not supported.' In such a case, kindly use a different number or go with another Authenticator method. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my 2FA not working?

You must make sure of the following points:

• Make sure you’re using the most recently generated code from your authenticator app.
• Ensure both devices have their time and date settings correctly synchronized, either manually or via automatic time synchronization.
• Issues with the internet connection or device settings sometimes hinder the delivery or processing of 2FA codes.
• 2FA codes are time-sensitive. If you are using old code or haven’t refreshed the code in your authenticator app, it will get rejected.
• Outdated versions of the authenticator app can hinder the generation of valid codes. 

What happens with 2FA when you lose your phone?

Losing your phone with 2FA set up can be a bit tricky, but most services offer recovery chances to regain access to your account. Many service providers offer one-time backup codes, secondary emails, or phone numbers you previously registered for 2FA recovery. These codes can be used to bypass the 2FA step when logging in on a new device.

If all else fails, reach out to the customer support service of what you’re trying to access. They will help you verify your identity and reset your 2FA settings as quickly as possible.

Can 2FA be stolen?

Yes, 2FA can be bypassed in some cases, but it still provides much stronger security compared to passwords alone. Scammers socially engineer phone companies to transfer a user’s phone number to a SIM card they control, allowing them to intercept SMS-based 2FA codes. These hackers also create fake login pages that mimic actual services, tricking users into entering their 2FA codes, which are then stolen. They potentially steal cookies or other session data that can be used to bypass 2FA.