All About Two-Factor Authentication/Multi-Factor Authentication
We have seen an increase in apps and websites insisting on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). Whilst it may seem to be unnecessary, standard security procedures requesting only a username and password are becoming increasingly easy for criminals to attack and gain access to data.
Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security which makes it harder for hackers to attack.
Two-factor authentication, also known as “multi-factor authentication,” is an extra layer of security that requires not only a password and username but also something only the user has access to. This could be your mobile phone number to send a text with a code, or a card reader when using your online banking account, or perhaps a Yubikey device (which we recommend and can supply) which you insert into your PC or use with your android phone to verify who you are. This makes is harder for potential intruders to steal that person’s personal data or identity.
Many services are beginning to support a specialised app called an authenticator which has a constantly rotating set of codes you can use whenever needed and it doesn’t even require an internet connection. Two of the leading apps we recommend are Google Authenticator and LastPass Authenticator. You can find out more about Google’s Authenticator here >
Apple have also introduced a two-factor authentication for Apple ID designed to ensure that you’re only person who accesses your account. When you want to sign in to a new device for the first time you will need to enter a verification code that will be displayed on one of your trusted devices in addition to your password.
Posted in News