Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

In today's digital age, security is a crucial asset. Our personal and financial data is stored digitally, so there is a need to provide high protection for sensitive information. Yes, your password is not enough. Especially if it is "123456" or it is easy to guess by looking through your social media or knowing a little about you. 

One of the most effective ways to enhance security and ensure that your data is protected is through Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). 

Successful Two-Factor Authentication

For a successful 2FA, the user has to declare identity through two authentication factors. These factors fall into three categories: knowledge, possession, and inherence.

What is Two-Factor Authentication?

Two-factor authentication is a security process in which users provide two different authentication factors to verify their identity. Simply put, the user must prove in 2 different ways that it is they who are trying to make the particular payment. It adds an extra layer of security that aims to help prevent unauthorized access.

The 2FA significantly reduces the likelihood of unauthorized access, even if a password is compromised.

Types of Authentication Factors

For a successful 2FA, the user has to declare identity through two authentication factors. These factors fall into three categories:

Knowledge factors: Something the user knows, such as passwords, PINs, or answers to security questions.

Possession Factors: These are the things the user has – a smartphone, phone number, ID card, security token, and more. 

Inherence Factors: This is biometric data like fingerprint scans, face recognition, or voice recognition.

Usually, the first layer is the knowledge factor, and the second factor is either a possession or an inherence. 

Common Methods of Two-Factor Authentication

The most common methods of implementing 2FA include:

SMS or Email

The user receives an authentication code through text message or email. 

Authenticator Apps

The user uses an authenticator app like Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, Yubico App. The app generates a login code that has to be entered in the designated field. 

Push notifications

The service sends a push request to the phone and the user can approve or deny the access. 

Biometric identification 

The user has to provide biometric data like fingerprint, face, eyes, or voice to verify their identity. 

Two-factor authentication is the crucial layer of protection that has to be enabled to thwart many common cyber threats. More and more services provide 2FA so it is wise to turn it on whenever possible to increase data security.