What is Two Factor Authentication?

If you use the internet, for social media, banking or shopping, you may have noticed that the days of simply creating any old password and logging in are coming to an end… This is where the two-factor authentication (2FA) comes in. 

As technology continues adapting and growing in size, the general public are storing more and more personal information online. This can include anything from an address, bank card details, health, or personal information. Just as you would be cautious with shouting about these details in day-to-day life with strangers, it’s important to protect this information as best you can when online.

When attempting to access something of yours online, such as a social media profile, you are asked to go through at least one kind of authentication process. 

To drill down into the requirements of 2FA, let’s first have a look at the sort of authentication options you may have come across: 

 

Key Information

This can take the form of passwords, numerical codes, or on some devices (such as Samsung mobiles) wipe patterns to gain access. This is the most common process for accessing information. However, simplicity doesn’t always go without issues. With an alarming number of people using weak passwords, or the same passwords across several channels, there is still a risk of cyber attacks or someone gaining access to private information. 

 

Personal Attributes

Think fingerprint scanning, facial identification, voice recognition, and everything in between.

This form of technology is evolving all the time and is a popular feature amongst smartphones such as iPhone and Samsung. 

It’s worth noting that facial identification may not be as secure as we would think. Your phone may be tricked into opening when shown a photo or someone who looks similar to you.

With these security options, there are pros and cons when it comes to your security, so what can we do to further increase our security online?

Bring in two-factor verification. 

 

How Does 2 Factor Authentication Work?

2FA essentially pairs something you already know – such as your password or key code, with something new that can be gained from either A) something you have or B) something you are.

Let’s explain this further.

Have you ever logged into an application or social profile with a correct password but they still ask you to confirm mobile or email details to send a verification code? This is two-factor verification using something you know (your password), followed by something you have (your mobile number or email).

Some technology, like mobile banking apps, will ask you to enter your pin code and then follow up with your fingerprint. In this case, the authorisation is making use of something you know (your pin code), and something you are (your fingerprint).

 

Is Two Factor Authentication Worth It?

It’s true that setting up these security steps can take additional time. In fact, with the extra processes set up, it can also then take a little longer to get into the document or profile you want to access due to carrying out more steps.

However, the time is definitely worth it to make sure your information is super secure. According to the FBI, phishing was the most common type of cybercrime in 2020 as incidents doubled between 2019-2020. Phishing is the process where a cyber attacker uses fraudulent information to try and gain personal information or money from you, such as falsified emails from your bank.

Two Factor Authorisation is said to prevent more than 96% of bulk phishing attempts and more than 76% of targeted attacks, according to Google.

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