2-Factor Authentication helps you protect your account and access it only with a valid password, the second factor of authentication. This can be a code sent to your mobile phone, an email address, or even a username and password combination.
If you’ve ever used an online service that requires two-factor authentication (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, etc.), you know how inconvenient this can be. Especially when traveling or at home alone, having to remember specific passwords or codes makes it harder to protect your accounts.
With 2-Factor Authentication, you get both convenience and security. A notification will automatically come through if someone tries to log into your account with an incorrect password or if the URL has been changed without notifications or scrambled requests.
It also protects against unauthorized access by requiring a second factor of authentication before granting access to sensitive information or resources such as third-party apps and services.
In this article, We’ll explain how it works and look at the most popular forms of 2FA currently available.
What is two-factor authentication?
2-Factor Authentication is a technology that helps protect your account from unauthorized access.
For example, consider Facebook. You may have set up an account with Facebook, but only share your password with the people you know. If someone gets a hold of your Facebook account, they won’t be able to access your account without having your password.
2-Factor Authentication protects your account from unauthorized access by requiring you to enter a code sent to your mobile phone, email address, or even a username and password combination.
How to set up and use 2-Factor Authentication
There are a few different ways to use 2-Factor Authentication. You can set it up on every account you have with the same service, or with different services, you use on a regular basis.
You can also set it up so that it only works on the account you’re logged into when you’re on the computer you signed into the service on, or with the service, you use when you’re on a different computer or device.
Here’s how to set up the authenticator app:
- Log into your account using the same username and password you used to log into the service you’re using for 2-factor Authentication.
- At the bottom of the page, click the “account” icon. From the drop-down menu, select “features”.
- On the left side of the page, click “security”.
- Under “securing your account,” near the bottom, click the “2-factor authentication” link.
How does two-factor authentication work?
Once you have set up 2-Factor Authentication, you’ll receive an authentication code from the service whenever someone else tries to log into your account with an incorrect password or if the URL has been changed without notifications or scrambled requests.
The codes can be sent to a text, email, or on the website itself. Once you receive the authentication code, open the website and log into the account you want to protect. You should see the login screen already.
If you don’t, enter your account info (user name and password) and click “Sign in”.
Remember to set up a two-factor authenticator
Remember to set up 2-factor Authentication. It’s easy to forget when you’re tired, stressed out, or distracted. When you haven’t used 2-factor Authentication for a while, it can be difficult to remember all the details.
Make sure you set it up again and remind yourself of how it works. Here are a few reminders:
- Set up a dedicated account for 2-factor Authentication. This will make it easier to remember and will keep you from mixing up different login information.
- Use a rotation system for your passwords. This will make it easier to remember and will also help you avoid using the same password on different services.
- Use unique passwords for every account. This will make it harder for someone to guess your password and access your accounts.
Top 5 authenticator apps for 2022
Here are five of the best authenticator apps for 2022:
- Google Authenticator – One of the top-rated authenticator apps, Google Authenticator lets you use an authenticator app to create a unique “code” that you can use to log into any account without a password. You can generate a code that’s as secure as your password, and it’s easy to use. It supports multiple devices and comes with a free API so that other developers can build authenticator apps.
- Twitter Authentication – An authenticator app that works with any social media platform, like Facebook and Instagram, Twitter Authentication is a convenient way to log into any account without a password. You can set up multiple profiles, automatically respond to direct messages and see who is following you.
- Email Verifier – A convenient and secure way to verify email addresses, Email Verifier lets you create an email address that’s automatically verified to avoid sending blank emails. You can choose from a variety of verification levels to make sure that your email is legitimate.
- Facebook Authentication – Facebook Authentication is convenient because you can easily log into your account and see who’s been messaging you without having to remember your password. It supports a wide range of authentication levels, from basic authentication to two-factor authentication, so you don’t have to.
- Microsoft Authenticator App- Microsoft describes their Authenticator app as “More secure. Passwords can be forgotten, stolen, or compromised. With Authenticator, your phone provides an extra layer of security on top of your PIN or fingerprint.”
The Microsoft Authenticator app can be used to authenticate to many resources, including your personal account (such as your bank), work or school accounts, and other accounts (such as LinkedIn). This app provides extra security by requiring you to enter a unique code generated by the app in order to log in.
Conclusion
2-Factor Authentication has become increasingly important as an added layer of protection when it comes to online accounts. It’s also become more common to include 2-Factor Authentication in the account setup process for online services.
In addition to being convenient, 2-Factor Authentication helps to protect your account from malicious users who may be trying to log into your account with an incorrect password or who have access to your email account and password.
