Skip to main content

Two factor authentication

Twitter's got it. Apple's got it, too. Google, Microsoft, Facebook and Amazon have had it for a while. But why's two-factor authentication important, and will it keep you safe?

Two-factor authentication, or 2FA as it's commonly abbreviated, adds an extra step to your basic log-in procedure. Without 2FA, you enter in your username and password, and then you're done. The password is your single factor of authentication. The second factor makes your account more secure

Two-factor authentication adds a second level of authentication to an account log-in. authentication. It’s also a type of multi factor authentication

There are three types of authentication:

  •          Knowledge factors -- something the user knows, such as a password, PIN or shared secret.
  •         Possession factors -- something the user has, such as an ID card, security token or a smartphone.
  •          Inherence factors, more commonly called biometrics -- something the user is. These may be personal attributes mapped from physical characteristics, such as fingerprints, face and voice. It also includes behavioral biometrics, such as keystroke dynamics, gait or speech patterns.

 is hard to use?

It definitely adds an extra step to your log-in process, and depending on how the account, it can be a minor inconvenience or a major pain. Much also depends on your patience and your willingness to spend the extra time to ensure a higher level of security.

"An attacker might be able to collect a cookie or an OAuth token from a website and essentially take over their session," he said. "So, 2FA is a good thing, but it does make the user experience more complicated...It's done when you're logging into an account on your device for the first time, for example."

How safe is 2FA?

As two-factor authentication becomes more commonplace, it's more likely that attacks will be more successful against it. That's the nature of computer security. But by virtue of being more commonplace, it will become easier to use, too.


It's true that two-factor authentication is not impervious to hackers. One of the most high-profile cases of a compromised two-factor system occurred in 2011, when security company RSA revealed that its SecurID authentication tokens had been hacked.

To hack two-factor authentication, the bad guys must acquire either the physical component of the log-in, or must gain access to the cookies or tokens placed on the device by the authentication mechanism. This can happen in several ways, including a phishing attack, malware or credit-card-reader skimming. There is a another way, however: account recovery.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Revolutionizing Agriculture: Precision Farming with Drones and Sensors

  Drones in Agricuture In the rapidly evolving world of agriculture, precision farming stands out as a groundbreaking approach that harnesses the power of technology to enhance productivity, sustainability, and efficiency. Among the most transformative tools in this field are drones and sensors, which are redefining traditional farming practices. This article delves into how these technologies are being integrated into modern agriculture, the benefits they offer, and the future they promise. The Rise of Precision Farming Precision farming, also known as precision agriculture, involves the use of technology to manage crops and soil in a more precise and controlled manner. The goal is to optimize field-level management regarding crop farming. Unlike conventional methods that rely on broad-spectrum approaches, precision farming tailors practices to the specific needs of different areas within a field. Drones: Eyes in the Sky Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have become an i...
Post a Comment
Read more

Early Detection of Brain Disorders: Using Wearable Devices Through Eye Movement

 Early Detection of Brain Disorders Using Wearable Devices Through Eye Movement Introduction In recent years, the integration of wearable technologies into healthcare has opened up exciting possibilities for early disease detection. Among these developments, wearable sensors that track eye movement have emerged as a promising tool in diagnosing brain disorders. Eye movement, which is closely linked to brain function, can offer vital clues in detecting neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, and other cognitive impairments. This research addresses a pressing question: Can subtle changes in eye movement patterns be reliably used to detect brain disorders before clinical symptoms become evident? With advancements in precision medicine and AI, the convergence of IT, biomedical engineering, and neuroscience is becoming not only possible but necessary. As a software engineer transitioning into bioinformatics, I see this as a pivotal opportunity to apply data sc...
Post a Comment
Read more

Apple’s 2024 Keynote: New Calculator App for iPad and More!

 As a self-proclaimed non-Apple fanboy, I have to admit, Apple's latest keynote had a few surprises that even caught my attention. Among the usual fanfare of sleek designs and incremental updates, Apple dropped a few notable bombs, including the long-awaited launch of a native  Calculator app for the iPad. Yes, you read that right. The iPad finally has a calculator, and it’s bringing some extra features to the table like Math Notes and Apple Pencil support. Let’s dive into what went down at the keynote and why it might be worth paying attention, even if you’re not an Apple devotee. The Headline Act: Calculator App for iPad For years, iPad users have been scratching their heads wondering why Apple, in all its innovative glory, never included a basic calculator app on its tablets. Well, the wait is finally over. Apple has introduced a Calculator app that goes beyond mere arithmetic. The app includes Math Notes, which allows users to jot down notes and calculations side-by-side. ...
Post a Comment
Read more