Two-Step Verification (2FA)
Millions of people use the internet worldwide. In Brazil, recent studies show that 65.6 million households have access to the internet, meaning 90% of Brazilians are connected.
Home-office work, online shopping, video calls, digital banking, apps, and other elements of the digital world make the circulation of personal data on the internet inevitable. The question is: are you sharing your data securely?
If you also use the internet for nearly everything in your life, it's crucial to understand two-factor authentication.
1. What is Two-Factor Authentication or Two-Step Verification?
Authentication means recognizing something as genuine. Online, authentication is a way to confirm that a user has authorization to access a particular environment.
So, what is two-factor authentication or two-step verification?
It is an important security procedure with proven effectiveness that aims to confirm that a particular user is accessing an online environment. As the name suggests, this procedure is carried out in two steps.
It ensures that a user's attempt to access an online environment is genuine and authorized. It does this by first using one type of mechanism, and then, a second time, using a different validation/authentication mechanism than the one used in the first step of validation.
2. Benefits of Two-Factor Authentication
Having an additional layer of security, such as the one provided by two-step verification, makes it so that an attacker must overcome two different obstacles to gain the desired access. Here's how this procedure can make a difference in your day-to-day:
Added Security – Without a doubt, the most significant advantage of using two-step verification is the increased security. Any attempted access by attackers is thwarted when the mechanism kicks in. Malicious intruders are blocked by the effectiveness of the verification process.
Suspicious Activity Alerts – In most cases, two-factor authentication systems include an alert sent to users when suspicious activity is detected. This allows immediate action to prevent data theft or unauthorized access.
Security Across Multiple Devices – Many people access their accounts from different devices, and using two-factor authentication ensures that security is guaranteed on all of them.
Reduced Data Leaks – With two-factor authentication, the likelihood of data theft is reduced. Stored information is more secure because the mechanism lowers the chances of access by malicious individuals.
3. How Do Two-Factor Authentication Mechanisms Work?
Here’s how some of the mechanisms used in the two-factor authentication process work:
Password and Temporary Code
After validating your login and password, the user receives a unique, temporary code on their device, which must be entered to complete the validation process.
Password and Authentication App
In this case, validation is done via a code generated by an app. Google or Microsoft Authenticator are examples of this method.
Password and Biometric Authentication
This could be a fingerprint scan, facial recognition, or even voice recognition. The second step of verification in this mechanism tends to enhance security, as it involves something highly personal, like a fingerprint scan.
4. Here at Actio, Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is Essential!
Remember, two-factor authentication (2FA) is an extra layer of security that is crucial for keeping your data safe.
Cybersecurity experts recommend its use, and its effectiveness is proven!
