Key Takeaways
- 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) adds a second lock to your account.
- It requires something you know (password) AND something you have (phone).
- SMS 2FA is better than nothing, but Apps (Google Auth, Authy) are safer.
- Using 2FA prevents 99.9% of automated account hacks.
Passwords can be stolen. 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) ensures that even with your password, hackers can't get in.
What is 2FA?
Authentication relies on different factors. To prove you are you, you can use:
- Something you know: Your Password or PIN.
- Something you have: Your Phone (SMS/App) or a Hardware Key (YubiKey).
- Something you are: Fingerprint or FaceID (Biometrics).
2FA requires TWO of these factors. So if a hacker steals your password (Factor 1), they still need access to your physical phone or face (Factor 2) to log in, which they usually don't have.
Types of 2FA
- Authenticator Apps (Best for most): Apps like Google Authenticator, Authy, or Microsoft Authenticator generate a new 6-digit code every 30 seconds. This is secure because the code never travels over the mobile network.
- Hardware Keys (Best security): Physical USB keys (like YubiKey) that you plug into your computer. Impossible to hack remotely.
- SMS Text (Good backup): Receiving a code via text. It is vulnerable to "SIM Swapping" attacks (where hackers steal your phone number), but it is still vastly better than no 2FA at all.
Action Item
Enable 2FA on your Email, Banking, and Social Media accounts today. It takes 5 minutes and saves you from 99% of hacks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if I lose my phone?
When you set up 2FA, websites give you "Backup Codes" (a list of 10 codes). Print them out or save them somewhere safe! If you lose your phone, you can use a backup code to log in and reset your 2FA.
Is Email Verification 2FA?
Sort of. If you log in and they email you a code, that verifies you have access to your email. However, if your email password is the same as your account password (password reuse), a hacker has access to both, making it useless. True 2FA uses a separate device.
Check your security settings.
Back to Home