Five reasons why you need Two-Factor Authentication

What is two-factor authentication?

Two-factor authentication is the second layer of protection in addition to your password, when it comes to internet security measure. The two factor authentication layer makes it much harder for hackers to break into your accounts. In the process to make your account more secure first, a user needs to enter their username and password, then, instead of immediately gaining the access, they will be required to provide another piece of information as the second factor.

This second factor comes in one of the following forms:

• Something you know

  This could be a personal identification number (PIN), a one-time password (OTP), or answers to “secret questions”

• Something you have

  This could be something a user possesses like a credit card number, a small hardware token, etc..

• Something you are

  This is a little more advanced and might include a biometric pattern of a fingerprint, an iris scan, or a voice print With two factor authentication, even if your password is stolen, or your phone is lost, the chances of someone else having your second-factor information are highly unlikely. Thus, it creates a secure and safe online experience and is important for internet security.

Importance of two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication means that whatever website or application you’re logging into is double-checking that the request is coming from the valid account holder by confirming the login through a separate venue.

Two factor authentication is essential to internet security because it immediately neutralizes the risks associated with compromised passwords. If a password is hacked, guessed, or even phished, it's no longer enough to give an intruder access; without approval at the second factor, a password alone is useless

Here are 5 reasons why you need a two factor authentication for a secure internet connection

• Passwords alone are insecure

  Passwords have always been the default security measure for internet security. However, they aren’t actually always reliable to protect your private information. Very few users make strong passwords, instead using ones that are easy to remember (and easy to crack). But even those users that make strong passwords can fall victim to phishing scams. Hence, without two-factor authentication, and with your password in hand, they can log in and take whatever they need.

• It is convenient

  Most of us have a phone that we carry with us all the time. For newer Apple or Android devices, approving or denying a sign-in request might be as simple as choosing ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on a push notification. For other requests, it might involve copying and pasting a code from an authenticator app. It takes just seconds to provide just one more step in security. These small moments can save you an immense amount of inconvenience and loss if your account gets hacked.

• Take control of your security

  Previously a user could know about the internet security breach only after someone unauthorized tried to log in to their accounts. Eventually, with the traditional authentication method, they could never figure out the security threat. With two factor authentication turned on, you will be alerted with a security message or a unique verification code on your registered mobile phone when someone else has entered the valid login credentials of your online account

• Maximum online protection

  Two Factor Authentication internet security method protects your sensitive data and information from all sorts of malicious activities. It assures that the password alone is not enough for an attacker or intruder to make you compromise your digital assets. Besides, the unique verification code is valid only for a few seconds. Due to the use of an additional step in the login process, the Two Factor Authentication security method is also known as Two-Step Verification

• It's better than nothing at all

  Well, of course! After all, it’s about your internet security. And when it comes to that, you ought to take measures to protect yourself. Now, instead of using just a password, use two-factor authentication to protect yourself online.

So the next time you’re logging into any of your accounts online, make sure you’ve got the two factor authentication turned on for a secure internet connection. And as far as a seamless online experience is concerned, rest assured as Hathway broadband has got your back!