Two-factor authentication is one of the most effective security measures available, yet many people still do not use it. Understanding how it works and setting it up properly can protect your most important accounts.
2FA requires something you know, your password, plus something you have, typically your phone or a security key. Even if an attacker obtains your password, they cannot access your account without the second factor.
Authenticator apps like Google Authenticator, Authy, and Microsoft Authenticator generate time-based codes that change every 30 seconds. These are more secure than SMS codes because they cannot be intercepted through SIM swapping attacks.
Hardware security keys like YubiKey provide the strongest form of 2FA. They require physical possession of the key to authenticate, making remote attacks virtually impossible. They are especially recommended for high-value accounts like email and banking.
SMS-based 2FA, while better than no 2FA at all, has known vulnerabilities. SIM swapping allows attackers to receive your text messages by convincing your carrier to transfer your number. Use SMS 2FA only when better options are not available.
Backup codes are provided when you enable 2FA and should be stored securely. If you lose access to your authentication device, these codes are your lifeline for account recovery. Store them in a password manager or a secure physical location.
Prioritize enabling 2FA on your most critical accounts first: email, banking, social media, and cloud storage. Your email account is particularly important because it is often the gateway for resetting passwords on other services.
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