The data breach has become a very common incident today. For companies, this can be a big blow when the right precautions have not been taken. To ensure your computer security and better protect your confidential information, you can opt for two-factor authentication. (A2F)
WHAT IS TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION?
Double authentication is a computer security system. It has several names: two-step validation, double-factor authentication or two-factor authentication, A2F, or even 2FA for two-factor authentication in English In reality, it is a very strong identification process used to improve the level of security of a computing resource such as your computer or phone, an online account on social networks, or a website Usually, the method is to set up the account with your phone number. When you activate two-factor authentication, access to your data will now be done in two stages, after the presentation of two separate proofs of identity (your usual password and a unique code sent directly to the telephone number indicated or a new security key for example). Each time you connect to another device, these elements must be filled in, otherwise, access will be refused.
THE REASONS FOR IMPLEMENTING A TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION
Today the password is no longer sufficient to protect access to a service on the Internet. Hackers have developed many techniques that allow them to easily enter your personal accounts. They have a habit of sending fake emails to trick you into entering your personal identifiers in fake forms. It can also happen that they intercept your details when you connect to a poorly secured public internet access point. Or, it is through viruses hidden in an application.
For the record, the leader of the online messaging Yahoo was the victim in 2014 of a cyberattack causing the theft of information related to 500 million accounts among its users. One need only research the statistics of this type of hacking every year to understand that more protections are needed to reduce the chances of this happening to us.
The use of online services is today essential for the development of the activities of any company, it is essential that precautions be taken to ensure data security. Most experts deem the alphanumeric combinations as insufficient and one-dimensional passwords. In the event of a data breach, you risk jeopardizing the survival of your business, losing the trust of your employees, etc.
By implementing two-factor authentication, you will make it more difficult to access your account. Passing the second confirmation step is a challenge and it deters the majority of cybercriminals who no longer seek to go further.
In summary, two-factor authentication allows:
- Better security for your business accounts;
- Reducing the risk of data theft;
- Less chance of being hacked even if your passwords are compromised.
HOW TO USE A2F TO PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS?
If you really want to improve cybersecurity and limit the risk of fraud, enabling two-factor authentication is essential. It is activated in the security settings of the account concerned.
If you are using the most popular corporate email servers like Gmail and Microsoft, you will be able to enjoy a great 2FA deal with an easier setup process. This additional layer of security can also be applied to operating systems such as Windows and Mac to limit access to your computer or tablet.
In addition to your company data, you can also apply the security protocol of two-factor authentication to your personal accounts. When you think of all the confidential information that passes through it (credit reports, insurance deposits, etc.), it makes sense to think about protecting it better.
The same goes for better management of your social networks, Twitter, Facebook, and all those applications that have become essential for your online presence. Double-factor authentication should become a daily routine to access all your accounts to minimize the risk of data leaks.
THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION
With the demand for computer security increasing day by day, technology companies are offering various methods of two-factor authentication in addition to the standard password for optimal protection.
If the basic method is to use a phone number to validate the connection, there are currently a multitude of interesting approaches to integrate a second level of security within your programs.
Using an authenticator
An authenticator is an application that acts as a safe for all of your accounts protected by two-factor authentication. It is a better alternative to methods of sending SMS or using a second device. The use is this application is very simple:
In the settings of your accounts compatible with an authenticator, you will easily find the menu for configuring 2FA. You will then have to scan a QR code to make the connection between the account and the authenticator application. As soon as it is done, the application will continuously generate unique login codes, the validity period of which is limited to a few seconds .
Using an authenticator as an A2F method is much more secure than the phone number. Hackers can potentially intercept a message sent to your phone remotely, but the code generated by the authenticator cannot be detected. You would have to lose your phone for there to be a risk. And then again, the thief must have your unlock code and account password to gain access.
Physical security keys
There are also physical security keys to have a higher level of digital security. These are often small USB devices that you connect directly to your computer after traditional online authentication (login and password). The insertion of the key indicates to the server that you wish to connect to your account and use it . This is the second confirmation of identity for 2FA.
We remember that digital data security is essential to preserve the integrity of companies, whatever the field of activity. The traditional password is no longer secure enough, it is necessary to opt for two-factor authentication or two-factor authentication which makes it possible to strengthen the protection of their accounts. There are several types of 2FA to choose from, depending on the level of security you want. When you are unsure of what system to put in place, do not hesitate to contact your technology supplier for more information.
