Why do I need 2 factor authentication?
There’s an easy tool to keep your online accounts safe from hackers. You might even already use it sometimes. This tool is called “two factor authentication” (2FA) or “multi-factor authentication.” (MFA). It might sound like a complicated term, but don’t let the name fool you. It’s simply a tool that keeps your information and accounts safe from potential hackers. Let’s look at what it is and why it’s better than the alternative.
The Alternative: Passwords
The good old password. Love ‘em, hate ‘em, or if you’re like most people, forget ‘em. What’s the point anyway? The purpose of a password is to prove that you’re you because you know something secret. This is called “authentication.” The problem is that your secret might not stay secret. Every few months we see another big company get hacked and often times your email address and passwords are compromised if you’ve ever used the site. Between password cracking techniques, databases of passwords publicly accessible, and sophisticated phishing schemes on the rise, the bad guys can pretend to be you more easily than ever. What can we do to stay safe? We use a second factor!
What is the second factor?
You’ve already proven that you know something (your password). Now, you prove that you have something (your cell phone). When your bank texts you a 6 digit code to type in, you’re proving that you have access to the phone number on record. A run-of-the-mill hacker could have your username and password, but unless they’ve also hacked your phones – they can’t get in and steal your money or scam your friends and colleagues. That’s because you’ve secured your account with a second factor.
Why do people choose not to use it?
It’s too complicated: it’s not more complicated than entering a password, and definitely easier than being put on hold when your account is hacked.
My information won’t get stolen: A recent study revealed that in 2016 over $16 billion was taken from 15.4 million U.S. consumers. Too many people, unfortunately, on a yearly basis end up being victims of hackers.
My online account doesn’t use 2FA: That may be so, but before you say this is true, check out this organization’s website that lists all the online accounts that currently use it. You will be surprised if your account doesn’t!
We strongly recommend you use 2FA on sites that offer it and sites where you store sensitive information. Call us to learn more about it and to help you set it up.
Watch the interview (in Spanish) with Francisco Ramirez on Univision’s “Primera Hora” morning news show. He discussed the importance of LinkedIn and how to use
Watch the interview (in Spanish) with Francisco Ramirez on Univision’s “Primera Hora” morning news show. Topics discussed include the importance of having a social media
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Chimbly Consultants LLC
1622 W Colonial Pkwy
Ste 201
Inverness, IL 60067
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