Complete Guide to Two-factor Verification 2020

if  You are not already protecting your personal accounts with two-factor or two-step verification, you should. An extra line of defense that is stronger than the strongest password, 2FA is crucial for preventing hacks and attacks on your personal data. If you don't understand what this is, we've broken it down for you.


Feature
what's this
Two-factor authentication is essentially a combination of the following two factors.

1. Something You Know

You have something

anything

Everything you know is your password, so 2FA always starts there. Once your password is entered you will be allowed into your account, however, two-factor authentication requires another set of credentials, such as when the DMV wants your license and utility bill. That is why factors 2 and 3 work. What you have is your phone or other device, while some are in your face, eyes, or fingerprints. If you cannot provide verification beyond password alone, you will not be allowed into the service you are trying to log in to.

So there are several options for the second factor: SMS, Authenticator apps, Bluetooth-, USB-, and NFC-based security keys, and biometrics. So let's take a look at your options so you can decide which one is best for you.

Message
How to set it up:
By default almost two every two factor authentication systems use SMS, so there is nothing more than switching the toggle on the selected account or switching on 2FA. Depending on the app or service, if you have the tab, under Security, you'll find it in Settings. Once activated you will need to enter your password and a mobile phone number.

How it works:
When you turn on SMS-based verification, you'll receive a text-by-code code that you need to enter after typing your password. This prevents anyone else from accidentally logging into your account because your password is just useless without a code. Although some apps and services rely solely on SMS-based 2FA, many of them offer many options, even if SMS is selected by default.

How it's safe:
By definition, SMS authentication is the least secure method of two-factor authentication. While your phone may be cloned or stolen directly, SMS messages can be intercepted and by default, most default messaging apps are unencrypted. The code sent to you could potentially be in the hands of someone other than you. However, this problem is unlikely unless you are a valuable target.

How it's safe:
Most likely, you're always accessing your phone, so second verification is very easy, especially if the account you're signing in to is on your phone.

Do you use it?
Verifying any two factor is better than none, but if you are serious about security, SMS won't cut it.

Author APPS
what's this:
Like SMS-based two-factor authentication, authentic apps generate codes that need input when prompted. However, instead of sending them over unencrypted SMS, they are built into an app, and you don't need an internet connection.

How to set it up:
To get started with a verification app, you'll need to download it from the Play Store or App Store. Google Authenticator works well for your Google Account and everything you use to log it in, but in addition, Listpass, Microsoft and many other individual companies, such as Blizzard. , Sophos and Salesforce. If an app or service supports authentic apps, it will provide a QR code that you can scan or enter on your phone.

How it works:
When you open your chosen app and scan the code, figure 6 code will appear, just like with SMS 2FA. Insert this code into the app and you'll love it. After the initial setup, you will be able to enter the app to receive the code whenever you need it without scanning the QR code.

How it's safe:
Unless someone has access to your phone or whatever device is running your authentic app, it's completely safe. Because the codes are randomized within the app and they are not provided over SMS, there is no cost to steal them. For added security, Ethery also lets you set up PIN and password protection, in addition, something Google doesn't offer on its authenticated app.

How it's safe:
Although opening an app is a little easier than texting, it takes more than a few seconds to use authentic apps. They are much safer than SMS, and you can use them offline if you ever encounter a problem where you need a code but you don't have to.

Do you use it?
An authentic app strikes a sweet spot between security and convenience. Although you may find services that are not supported by authentic apps