Technology

What is 2FA? How to authenticate with 2FA for online account security

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a secure method of access management and identity verification that requires two forms of identification to access resources and data. The first step is to use login information with a username and password, followed by entering a 2FA code.

Administrator

15 March, 2024

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2FA provides businesses with the ability to monitor while protecting their most vulnerable information and networks.

Why is 2-factor authentication – 2FA necessary?

In recent years, we have seen a significant increase in the number of websites that compromise users’ personal data. As cybercrime becomes more sophisticated, companies realize that their outdated security systems are inadequate against modern threats. All businesses and organizations can become victims of hackers.

For individual consumers, the consequences of an attack or identity theft can be severe. Stolen login information can be exploited by criminals to access bank accounts and steal money. The entire balance in a bank account and cryptocurrency can be emptied overnight.

Hackers can steal money from your bank account

Clearly, websites and online applications need to provide a more effective method of security. Consumers should develop the habit of protecting themselves with something stronger than just a password. For many, that additional security measure is two-factor authentication.

How does 2FA work?

Two-factor authentication is an extra security method before accessing an account. It requires anyone logging into your account to not only have a password but also a verification code. This code can be sent to your email account or obtained from the Authentication app on your phone.

Most current 2-factor authentication (2FA) is also advocated on social networks and modern applications, as well as payment protocols for online systems. This ensures that even if hackers gain access and steal your password, they cannot authenticate the code through personal email and SMS, significantly increasing security.

What are the methods of 2FA verification code?

There are multiple methods to perform 2-factor authentication (2FA). Some of the commonly chosen methods for the second authentication factor to protect accounts and personal information include:

One-Time Password (OTP) via SMS

The user receives a unique OTP through a text message on their mobile phone. This code is only valid for a short period of time (usually less than 1 minute) and must be used to complete the login process. Therefore, failure to enter the OTP sent to the mobile phone into the system will result in a failed login attempt.

One-Time Password (OTP) via Phone Call

This authentication method is similar to OTP via SMS but verified through a phone call. The system calls the user’s registered phone number and provides the OTP through voice. After hearing the code, the user enters it into the system to complete the process.

One-Time Password (OTP) via Email

After completing step 1 of the login process, the system or application will send an email to you, notifying that your account is being verified. If it is indeed you who is logging in, all you need to do is enter the OTP in the email to complete the login process.

Push Notifications

A typical example of this method is Zalo. When you log in to your Zalo account on another device, you enter your account and password. Next, the screen will display a QR code. You use the Zalo app’s QR code scanner on your phone, and then a push notification will appear. The system will ask if you allow access from another device, and if you choose “Accept,” the login process is complete.

Biometrics

The application of biometric 2-factor authentication is being tested for wider application. Recent improvements include verifying a person’s identity through fingerprint, iris pattern, and facial recognition. So far, this is the safest method before hackers find a way to bypass it.

*Biometric authentication is currently the safest method*

Through Apps

Authentication through apps is a method to verify users’ identities using an app on a mobile device or computer. The authentication code via the app usually changes every few seconds and can only be used once.

What are the advantages of this method?

In actuality, 90% of passwords can be cracked within 6 hours, two-thirds of internet users use the same password everywhere. Professional cyber attacks can test billions of passwords in seconds. It is due to these weaknesses that service providers worldwide have made efforts to create an additional layer of authentication to improve the security of user accounts being hacked.

This additional security step significantly reduces the chances of your account being hacked and provides protection against data breaches. In summary, it has the following advantages:

Enhances account security
Protects accounts in case of password loss or theft
Addresses the weaknesses of using regular accounts and passwords

What are the disadvantages of the 2FA method?

While 2-factor authentication (2FA) has many advantages and offers high security, there are still some disadvantages to 2FA, including:

Time-consuming during the login process: It takes time to go through an additional layer of security to access your applications.
Integration: The 2FA security method currently relies on a third-party service provider. As a third-party provider, it may be challenging for businesses to control these external services in the event of an unexpected incident.
Maintenance: To maintain the optimization of the feature and improve user experience, 2FA requires periodic updates, which can be time-consuming. In addition, some maintenance cases may also be related to ineffective management of 2FA user databases.

How to enable 2FA

Most service providers nowadays upgrade the 2FA authentication system to ensure the best security for user accounts. You can enable 2FA by following the procedures below:

Enable 2FA on Hosting

After completing the website design, your task is to secure the website to ensure its smooth operation and prevent unauthorized access. Usually, the website design service provider will provide you with a login account and password for web management. To avoid having your account hacked and unauthorized access to the website administration area, you need to add an additional layer of account and password protection to the admin directory.

Here are the instructions for adding a password to protect the admin directory.

The following steps are for hosting using Directadmin, but the principle is to create a password for any directory, so you can also follow the same steps for other cPanels.

Step 1: Log in to your hosting account using the provided username and password.
Step 2: Click “Password Protected Directories”.

Step 3: Select the directory you want to protect with a password.

Here, click on “Find a Directory to Password Protect” to find the directory you want to add password protection to.

Select the directory you want to password protect and click “Protect” as shown in the above instructions diagram to add password protection.

Enter a user and password, and confirm the password. Then click on “Protection Enabled” and “Save” to save the information you just created.

Therefore, from now on, to log in to the website administration area, you need to enter the 2FA account and password before entering your account and web administration password. If you encounter any difficulties, inbox 0984966806 (Zalo) for assistance.

Enable 2FA on Facebook

To enable 2FA on the widely-used social network Facebook, perform the following steps:

Step 1: Log in to your personal Facebook account, then select “Settings”.
Step 2: Find the “Security and Login” feature to enable 2FA.
Step 3: Select the “Use two-factor authentication” feature and click “Edit” to enable it.
Step 4: Choose the verification method you prefer, such as text messages via SMS or security keys. You can also choose options such as a Code Generator or Recovery Codes.

After completing these steps, you have successfully enabled 2FA on Facebook to provide the best protection for your Facebook account. You can now rest assured regarding cases of Facebook hacking and scams that many people currently encounter.

Enable 2FA on Gmail

To enable 2-factor 2FA authentication in Gmail, follow these steps:

Step 1: Log in to your personal Gmail account and go to “My Account”.
Step 2: In “My Account”, find the “Security Checkup” feature and click on 2-Step Verification.
Step 3: Finally, choose the authentication methods such as SMS through your phone, Security Keys, Code Generator, or Recovery Codes.

In addition, users can also choose the special feature of Google prompt. When selecting this feature, users do not need to authenticate with a code; they only need to confirm their choice with a Yes or No. This authentication method is faster, avoiding situations where the code 2FA is read incorrectly, requiring multiple re-entries.

Enable 2FA on Outlook

2-factor 2FA authentication on Outlook is enabled as follows:

Step 1: The user logs into the Microsoft account to start the authentication process.
Step 2: Then select the 2-factor authentication and go to the management section.
Step 3: Continue to verify security by selecting the devices and methods. Then confirm the information you have selected.

With these simple steps, you have authenticated 2-factor 2FA on Outlook.

Conclusion

Now you know what two-factor authentication – 2FA is. It is a very secure way to protect your online accounts. 2FA requires you to enter not only your login information and password but also a verification code sent to your phone or email. This method can accurately identify who is logging in. Even those who have stolen your password cannot log in because they need to go through an additional step to access your account. Operate online safely!

Good luck!

Frequently asked questions

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security before accessing an account. In addition to a password, a user will also need a verification code, which can be sent to their email or generated by an authentication app on their phone. This code is usually time-sensitive and changes regularly, providing a dynamic layer of protection.

There are multiple ways to implement 2FA. Common methods include One-Time Passwords (OTPs) sent via SMS or email, push notifications, biometric data (fingerprint, iris pattern, or facial recognition), and authentication through dedicated apps that generate unique codes. Each method has its advantages and ensures that even if one factor is compromised, the account remains secure.

2FA significantly enhances account security by making it harder for hackers to gain unauthorized access. It protects accounts even if a password is lost or stolen and addresses the weaknesses of traditional password-only systems. With most passwords being vulnerable to cracking, 2FA adds a dynamic and personalized layer of protection that is much harder to breach.

While 2FA greatly improves security, it can be time-consuming during the login process, especially when a user has to enter a new code each time. Additionally, as 2FA often relies on third-party service providers, businesses may face challenges in controlling these external services. Periodic updates and maintenance are also necessary to keep 2FA optimized and user-friendly.

Most service providers now offer 2FA as an optional security feature. For example, to enable 2FA on Facebook, go to Settings > Security and Login > Use two-factor authentication. On Gmail, navigate to My Account > Security Checkup > 2-Step Verification. Similar steps can be taken for Outlook and other online services.