All About 2 Factor Authentication

Recently we spoke about passwords and password managers, you may have acknowledged the information but not actually put it into practice, too much effort? Remembering a couple of passwords for all your accounts is how you want to keep it. Well, let me try sway you. 

Have you heard of 2-Factor-Authentication (2FA)? It is a function which allows you to be lazy with remembering passwords (I'm guilty of this too) but still gives you a layer of security. 2FA can be used on your online accounts, like Facebook, email, banking, Google etc. 

Duo Security's What is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on Youtube

How it works

It works by creating a second way to confirm your identity. This could be in the form of a code sent via a text message or a code generated by a smartphone App.

How to get set up:

Many of the biggest online services will allow you to set-up 2FA, most apps will have its option in settings, account or privacy. . Personally I use Google Authenticator app as a code generator rather than the text option.

However below are some links on how to get up and running with it for each platform listed;

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Google
• WhatsApp
• Amazon
• PayPal

Below, we have drawn up a little chart of what 2FA options each app offers, the one I found most challenging is Twitter's 2FA. Here's why: Twitter has two options,the text and the app, however you have to set up text first. Then you have to set up the app and then disable the text option. Doesn't sound complicated but it is overly fidgety. 

I am pretty sure you are now convinced to implement 2FA on most of your accounts :)

Also, if you want to know how to specifically set up 2FA on any account, click here! This website will tell you how 2FA works on literally most websites.

Comment below for any questions!