3 Reasons to Use Two-Factor Authentication
24 Nov 2022 IT Services
As people continue to work from home and internet crime continues to rise, effective security measures have never been more important. That is why many websites, businesses, and individuals have started to utilize a type of cybersecurity measure known as two-factor authentication. Also known as 2FA or two-step verification, this login method is more secure and far more difficult to hack. As leading providers of cybersecurity services, the team at Next Hop Solutions knows how effective 2FA can be for individuals and businesses alike. That is why we have compiled a list of 3 reasons to use two-factor authentication to demonstrate why it is well worth your time and effort.
Learn how to optimize cybersecurity when working from home.
What is Two-Factor Authentication?
Before defining two-factor authentication (2FA), it is important to understand what the factors for authentication are. The 3 general factors for authentication include:
- Something you know (password, security questions, etc.).
- Something you have (a phone, hardware token, or other devices).
- Something you are (fingerprint, facial recognition, etc.).
As the name implies, two-factor authentication utilizes two of these factors when logging into an account or accessing private information. Examples of two-factor authentication include:
- Answering a security question on a computer and then confirming that you are trying to log in via an app on your phone.
- Receiving a temporary PIN via a push notification on your phone. This PIN is then entered after entering your password.
- Using your fingerprint scanner or facial recognition on your phone or laptop in conjunction with your password.
Why Should you use Two-Factor Authentication?
Two-factor authentication significantly enhances security for personal and business accounts. Every individual should use 2FA for the following reasons:
1. Most People Use Poor Password Practices
Many users choose simple passwords that are easy to remember (“123456”, “password”, etc.). Unfortunately, if a password is easy to remember, it is often easy to guess. Passwords should include a capital letter, a number, and a special character to increase security. In addition to complexity, passwords should be changed every few months to further increase security. Unfortunately, most users will stick to the same password for several months or years, increasing the risk of a hack.
2. It Provides Reliable Protection
By using two-factor authentication, you can ensure that your device(s) and account(s) are secure even if your password is weak. Should hackers obtain your password, they will not be able to access your account without seeing the push notification on your device or without using your fingerprint. This means that your account will remain secure and your data will stay safe. Though 2FA takes a little extra time per login, the security benefits are well worth the effort.
3. It is Easy to Implement
With a variety of apps and programs available, it is easy to set up two-factor authentication for most of your accounts. Many large companies (banks, social media, etc.) already offer 2FA as part of their services, so you should take a few minutes to set it up and maintain optimal protection for your sensitive data.
To learn more about two-factor authentication and other cybersecurity services, reach out to the experts at Next Hop Solutions by phone (1-855-482-5141) or through our contact form. We will work with you to provide the perfect solutions for your online security needs.
