What exactly is two-factor authentication and what started it? Two-Factor Authentication occurs when you are required to use two kinds of identification to log into a web site or open your email. It was started because people were using weak passwords or no passwords whatsoever.
Normally the initial factor is often a password. As a reminder, your passwords should use numbers, capital and small letters and symbols. They should not be any sort of dictionary word and turn into at least 12 characters long, the longer the higher. You should never reuse your password strength. If used correctly, you will need your password manager to remember them all. Getting one it is well worth it.
The second factor may vary widely from fingerprint or facial recognition to the web page sending which you numeric code via text or email you have to enter into their web site as part of the signing in process. Google, Microsoft and others are working on other ways of authentication that’ll be secure and make it easier for the final user.
The best sort of security is the one that individuals will use. Two-Factor Authentication needs a little longer to log right into a web site, it will add 15-30 seconds. That time could be time well spent to protect your security. Web sites; especially banks, financial and medical sites, need to be sure that when a user logs in it is in fact the correct person. This is very hard to do with just a password. Think about each of the passwords stolen a year ago due to hackers.
This is the place your phone is used to confirm your identity. Say you log in your bank’s web page. If you use your phone with the login, your fingerprint or facial recognition may be used to ID you. If you use a desktop computer, they are going to usually send a numeric code for your phone that you use during the login process. In either case you gave the lender your cellphone number, so they have a minimum of some assurance that it can be you. You also enter your password that matches what the financial institution has on file. This is how Two-Factor Authentication works, two kinds of identification.
As I mentioned previously, internet sites and companies are working to make this login process easier and much more secure. This can be a hard job as easier plus more secure don’t always work together.
George Uliano is really a security professional with years of law enforcement and security experience. He earned a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice and Business graduating with honors. George holds three U.S. patents on different locking principles. This combination gives George and His Company Locking Systems International Inc the ability to provide its customers with the best security at reasonable prices.