Two Factor Authentication: Everything to Know in 3 Easy Points

Introduction

In light of the current scenario, it is not difficult to understand the rate at which cyber crimes are increasing day by day across the globe. It is crucial to take proper care of our online presence and enable two-factor authentication on our devices. Different organizations adopt varied methodologies to eradicate and prevent cybercrimes. Two-factor authentication or 2fa is an extra layer, often used by various organizations as well as individuals each day to make sure that their system is free from all kinds of external attacks.

Cyber hacking has evolved to be one of the major concerns these days and two-factor authentication can go a long way in preventing online data from numerous external attacks.

There is a common tendency among people to rely only on passwords to protect data privacy. 

Consequently,  the rate of cybercrime has been increasing on a daily basis. It is extremely important to be aware of 2fa meaning, what is 2fa, and the benefits of using proper two-step verification methods, and the ways in which one can ensure data privacy. Read the article further to know more about the same (two-factor authentication explained)

In this article let us look at:

1. What is Two Factor Authentication
2. Common types of 2FA
3. Other Forms of Two Factor Authentication

1) What is Two Factor Authentication/ What is Two-Way Authentication?

The first step is to understand what is 2 step authentication. A two-step verification basically makes sure that those who try and access private and confidential data are those that they claim to be. 2 step verification, therefore, ensures data privacy and keeps it free from different kinds of external attacks. 2-factor authentication takes place in various ways. Whenever someone tries to access a particular account or profile online, they are subjected to a few questions regarding specifications that have already been set by the original user. This way, it makes sure no one except for the original user gets access to these apps.

Therefore, the purpose of setting two-factor authentication is to make sure that the account remains safe even when you forget your password or lose your gadget somewhere. No one else will be able to access your data due to 2fa authentication settings, keeping it free from all kinds of unethical and illegal activities.

2) Common Types of 2FA

The most known and used types of two-step authentication or 2fa is a set of questions that are set by the original user. For instance, the questions can be focused on something you know or something you have or something you are, or perhaps something you like. A 2fa authentication basically prevents users from getting access by only putting the password. They have to answer a few more questions based on various details, previously provided by the user,  and then they get access to these apps. To ensure accurate implication of this security route, it is important to know what is 2-factor authentication or what is two-step verification.

Sometimes passwords are simply not enough to protect data from external attacks. Therefore, two-step verification can be extremely helpful in doing so in our day to day life.

 There are multiple apps that do not ask you to set further questions for extra protection and needless to mention, the accounts on these applications are more  likely to get hacked from time to time.  

Having a two-way authentication makes it easier for you to have your data protected from unwanted external illegal activities on a daily basis.

There are various two-factor authentication methods that are used these days by organizations. Some of the most common 2-factor authentication examples are:

1. Hardware Tokens for 2 step authentication:

It is one of the oldest forms of 2-way authentication, widely popular and used by various organizations across the globe. This is a second-factor authentication method that aims at producing new numeric codes every thirty seconds. Whenever someone tries to access a particular account, they are asked to put the displayed dual-factor authentication code in order to be able to get access to that particular account.

In some cases, the 2fa is automatically transferred by the system so that the user does not have to put it again. This only happens when the computer is connected with USB, otherwise, it does not work.

2. Text Message and Voice-based two factor authentication:

This dual-factor authentication method focuses on protecting data by remaining connected with the user’s mobile phone. After they enter their password, they receive an OTP aka one-time password to enter on the desired app’s platform. This way, their data is protected from external attacks. 

It is one of the most common two-factor authentication 2fa methods, popularly used by thousands and millions of users across the world.

3. Software tokens for 2fa authentication:  This is also one of the major two-factor authentication types. In order to follow this method, users are expected to install a free 2fa app first on their phone. This app then generates codes that they are supposed to enter while entering a particular app. This code lasts for one minute and upon successfully entering the code they are granted access to the app. Such newer means of authentication are on a rise with an increase in the security norms, therefore 2-factor authentication meaning is essential to be understood by every internet user these days.

4. Push notification for second-factor authentication:  Instead of undividedly depending on passwords and external apps, certain websites have the function to send push notification these days on the user’s phone immediately after they try accessing a particular app from their device. They can directly view code details and other information. Then, they can go on entering the app without any issue whatsoever. These are some of the most common two-factor authentication methods that are widely used by people and organizations across the globe. However, apart from these methods, there are other vital 2fa authentication methods when it comes to protecting data privacy

3) Other Forms of Two Factor Authentication

One of the other prime two-factor authentication methods is the Biometric 2fa. It aims at protecting data privacy by following various methods like using tokens and codes to ensure data privacy.  Some of the recent developments in this field ensure the verification of a person’s identity before they are able to access several apps. These two-step authentication methods verify identity by approving the user’s fingerprint, voice tone, facial recognition and more. Typing patterns are also verified by some of the complex two-step authentication methods. Pulse, retina patterns, voice modulations have also become part of the verification process these days.

Conclusion

However, it is paramount to increase awareness among people for boosting the usage rate of two-factor authentication methods They need to understand the necessity of double factor authentication methods, the drawbacks of passwords, and their failure to protect our data privacy from time to time. It isn’t sufficient to depend on a single password to protect sensitive data. Resultantly, frequent use of two-factor verification will lead to ensured data privacy. For those looking for a career in Defensive Cybersecurity, a Master Certificate in Cyber Security (Blue Team), offered by Jigsaw Academy, is the perfect course, to begin with. This 520-hour-long online course is India’s first program particularly focusing on defensive Cybersecurity technology.