Understanding Two-Factor Authentication and Why It’s Essential

While the entire world is inclining towards the whole digital landscape, it leads to a greater risk of scams and fraud. People and businesses should safeguard their online accounts from data breaches the phishing scams. Cyber threats are no longer a distant concern; however, they are a huge tide that sweeps through industries. At Jortty, we are going to share the ultimate scam guide on what 2FA is and the reason to use it.

What is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)?

2FA, or Two-factor authentication, is a security protocol that combines two unique modes of identification to safeguard against unauthorized access. It is a mode of adding a security layer that needs not only the user credentials but also the traditional username and password or a second factor. It makes it more challenging for attackers to compromise accounts.

Explaining Two Factors

• Something You Know: It is generally a password or PIN (Personal Identification Number). It is the initial line of defense; however, passwords get compromised easily through hacking, phishing, or simple guesswork.
• Something You Have: It is the factor involving possessing a token or device that generates or receives a unique code. Common instances include smartphone apps such as receiving a code through SMS or Google Authenticator.
• Something You Are: It is biometric verification, such as retina scan, fingerprint, or facial recognition. It will add a higher layer of protection and security as it is commonly used as the second factor compared to verification based on devices.

How Does Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Work?

Avoiding online scams are easier with the 2FA process, which generally involves the following steps:

• User Login: The user will log in with a username and password in general.
• Second Factor Prompt: After entering the right password, systems prompt the user for the second mode of authentication.
• Verification: The user offers the second factor, which is a code through an authentication app, a fingerprint scan, or a code received through SMS.
• Access Granted: After both factors are offered correctly, accessing the system or account gets granted.

Types of Two-Factor Authentication

• SMS-Based 2FA: A code gets sent to the mobile phone of the user through an SMS.
• App-Based 2FA: An authentication app will start to generate time-sensitive codes.
• Hardware Tokens: The physical devices generating codes or connecting through USB for authentication.
• Biometric 2FA: It uses physical features like facial recognition or fingerprints for authentication.

What Threats Does 2FA Help Prevent?

Since we have explained about 2FA and its importance, let us share scam prevention tips to help you safeguard against online threats.

Stolen Passwords

Initially, 2FA can help shield against compromised or stolen passwords. Criminals often steal passwords through numerous means. They even guess them using personal information discovered on social media with other public sources. A stolen password will make it seamless for hackers to access your accounts; however, 2FA adds another layer of protection. The stolen password is always enough to log in with the other mode of identification.

Phishing Attempts

Phishing is often defined as a scam attempt to garner sensitive data or information, including usernames, passwords, and credit card details. Scammers often disguise themselves as reliable entities in electronic communication. For instance, they may impersonate a bank in the email to prompt you to enter your login credentials onto the fake website.

Social Engineering

Social engineering forms a technique that criminals use to manipulate people into revealing confidential data or performing the right actions affecting account security. It often benefits out of human psychology. They will use obedience and trust to trick the victims into giving up the sensitive information.

Brute-Force Attacks

A brute-force attack often uses automated software to guess passwords repeatedly until it gains access. These attacks are dangerous whenever a password is easily guessed or weak, as the software rapidly goes through a lengthier list of possible combinations. Strong passwords would increase security in the time it would take for the software to undergo the guessing game. However, it is just a matter of time before the attacker is able to crack the password.

Key Logging

One of the best modes of authentication is keylogging, which involves installing malware on a computer with AI tech. The software tracks and records each keystroke made on the infected device. This enables hackers to access login credentials, credit card numbers, and other sensitive information. After the software is installed, it remains unknown to the user, as nothing is done to prevent keylogging.

Conclusion

Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, is the core defensive layer for onsite, hybrid, and remote employees. At Jortty, we can help you stay alert about these scams and fraudulent activities happening online with our AI for tech support. Always ensure to use 2FA for supplementing your policies while safeguarding businesses against cyber attacks.