With relentless increase in digital crime and online frauds, proper safeguarding measurements have become more important than ever. Studies have shown (Solange, 2014) that big companies and celebrities have been a victim of hacking in the recent past, so what can stop the digital criminals to not target you?
Multi-factor Authentication Method Can Help!
One verified way to ensure your account and data safety is the multi-factor authentication method. Usually, passwords are used to protect the confidential data but relying on them solely is not a wise option. Multi-factor authentication (at least 2FA) method also known as multiple-factor verification is basically a mechanized double check process to verify the identity of the logger. With this method, accounts remain safe and well-protected even if the passwords have been figured out.
How Does It Work?
Multi-factor authentication process involves double verification. The first verification layer is the usual method of logging in by entering the username and password. But this first verification will not give you a quick access to the account as you will need to verify your identity once more in a different manner.
In second verification layer, there are different ways to verify the identity. (CRISTINA, 2016) It can be divided into three categories:
- Something you know: it includes additional verification by using a pin number, password or pattern that only you know.
- Something you have: this option includes re-verification by using your mobile number, email address or credit card/ATM.
- Something you are: another way of verifying your identity by multi-factor verification is to use biometric method which includes fingerprint, retina scan or voiceprint.
Why It’s Important?
Importance of multi-factor authentication is undeniable. Here are some reasons that make this login method necessary for those who cannot afford losing their confidential data:
Your Password Is Breakable
Passwords are set to ensure the data safety but unfortunately, now they are not as reliable as they were before. In this age of digital crime, passwords are pretty easy to break. According to recent study, 90 percent of employee passwords can be figured out in less than six hours. (Okyle, 2015) The problem is that around 70 percent people use the same password for all accounts. It is the same thing as having one key for house, car and all lockers so if that key is stolen, you lose it all.
Hackers Have Become Advanced
No matter how strong or powerful password you set, it is not unbreakable. Advanced hackers know all the tactics to crack a strong password and get access to confidential information. (Hald) This is why, multi-factor authentication is very much necessary so even if the password is cracked; your account will be still protected by an additional layer of security.
To Ensure Greater Protection
Passwords do ensure protection but when it comes to securing an account with greater safety, multi-factor authentication is the best method to go with. This process takes a few minutes but offer greater security for your account. Whether it be biometric authentication or code verification, it is hard for hackers to pass through the second verification layer of multi-factor verification process.
It’s Easier And Quicker
Many people avoid multi-factor authentication due to the misconception of it being time-consuming. Well, it does ask for identity verification twice but doesn’t take much time. As soon as you have passed the first verification layer, it will hardly take a few minutes to verify your identity through biometric or code. It’s an easiest and quickest way of increasing the account security.
Multi-factor authentication is quite effective but to think of it as a magical wand that can make your account 100% secure is foolish. It only makes it harder for hackers to breach an account and allows the users to protect the information in time.
Bibliography
CRISTINA. (2016, January 20). Why You Should Start Using Two-Factor Authentication Now. Retrieved 5 15, 2018, from heimdal security: https://heimdalsecurity.com/blog/start-using-two-factor-authentication/
Hald, D. (n.d.). 8 reasons you should turn to multi-factor authentication. Retrieved May 5, 2018, from TechBeacon: https://techbeacon.com/8-reasons-you-should-turn-multi-factor-authentication
Okyle, C. (2015, January 27). Why Your Password is Hackerbait (Infographic). Retrieved May 25, 2018, from Entrepreneur Asia Pacific: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/242208
Solange. (2014, August 5). Russian Hackers Collect 1.2 Billion Passwords In A Mega Breach. Retrieved May 25, 2018, from Norton by Symantec: https://community.norton.com/blogs/norton-protection-blog/russian-hackers-collect-12-billion-passwords-mega-breach
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