We live in a golden age of technology and the benefits
that come along with it. Most of us possess cell phones and laptops which are
valuable devices that we wish to protect. We do this by either locking them
away in our homes or covering them with material to protect their delicate
nature. Another way of protecting our devices is by putting passwords on them
to ensure that no one gets access to our personal data. Since 2019 is the age
of multiple devices and even more passwords, it can get frustrating, especially
when security breaches still take place.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a type of protective
system which adds a second step to all your login processes. It has been
regarded as a fantastic way of getting optimal protection for your accounts and
devices. It works simply as once you have put in your initial password and
username, you will be asked to reconfirm with a code.
What is 2FA?
This is a two-step verification process, also known as
dual-factor authentication, which allows users to give their private data
maximum security. It involves the provision of two different authentication
methods so that there is a double surety that the person trying to access and
account or device is authorized to do so. The security token or biometric
factor which provided after the password is what ensures that there is no
breach or misuse of information.
Single Factor Authentication is Not Enough
The Data Breach Investigations Report 2017 showed that
around 81% of breaches were because of stolen passwords. There are many issues
which come with only relying on usernames and passwords to login or accessing
data. Passwords are tricky as they can be stolen through scams or data breaches
and will result in huge and irreparable losses. 2FA is different as it adds an
additional level of security which makes it more difficult to get hacked or
breached. A lot of people do not think that they can be victims of credential
stuffing or any other sort of attacks but it is better to be safe than sorry.
Automated logins by unauthorized personnel can be avoided easily by 2FA.
A List of Authentication Factors
The adoption of certain authentication factors is what
can affect the overall security of your system. These include:
- Knowledge which the user has, such as passwords and PIN codes
- Possession of either the user’s IC card, security token or their personal devices
- Biometric factors, which include something that matches a user’s description or attributes
- Location, which can be denoted from the place where an authentication was attempted
Different Kinds of 2FA
- SMS Codes
Users are automatically sent text messages to their phone
numbers when an authentication attempt takes place. This contains a number
that is unique so that there is no chance of replication. The token code can
then be inputted to verify the user and give them full access to a device or
account.
- Email Protection
When you are trying to recover an account, 2FA comes to
your rescue with email protection. It can reset your password by giving you a
temporary code that you can use to log in. after that, you can change your
password to a new one and have access to your account or device without any
hassle.
- App Verification
You can have codes generated with the help of application
on your smartphone, like Google Authenticator, which can add all your accounts
to one place and allow you to access them in case you forget your password.
- Physical Tokens
Although this was a more popular method before the invention
of the smartphone, it is still quite effective. A small device give codes
similar to authentication apps on your phone and can be kept with the user at
all times. You have to keep track of this device and cannot lose it so a safe
location for storage is recommended.
The Problem with 2FA
As far as document security systems go, 2FA may be
quite effective but it is not the end all solution to cybercrime. While you
will have an enhanced and improved security system, there are still some
underlying components which can weaken your safety. The hardware tokens will
depend on individual responsibility and if that is lost, so is your private
info. A massive breach of 2FA was seen in 2011 where SecurID authentication
tokens of a big company were hacked into. Password takeovers are still common
and can be bypassed by attackers so that original users lose control over their
personal data.
In Conclusion
2FA needs to be looked at as an investment in the
security of your information and your assets. A lot of consumers are readily
trying to protect biometrics by implementing 2FA and this is allowing them to
have more peace of mind. Save some time today for years’ worth of protection in
the future.
0 Comments