Passwords are everywhere.
We use them at home for our personal devices and accounts, and we especially use them at work. This is why locking down your login by using two-factor authentication whenever possible is one of the strongest steps we can take to protect our accounts. Two-factor authentication is an extra form of security for our account logins or devices.
Two-factor authentication works in the following way:
- Enter your password.
- You’ll be asked for something else to be authenticated before you continue, such as a code sent to your phone, voice call, or mobile application verification.
Examples of two-factor authentication:
- Mobile device
- Allows for a code to be sent as a text message or voice call
- Mobile devices also allow for applications such as Google Authenticator, LastPass Authenticator, or Microsoft Authenticator.
- Security token/key card
- Hardware device which can be used to authenticate with your account which contain a randomized code.
- USB device
- Devices such Google’s Titan Security Key and Yubico’s YubiKey are two-factor USB devices. Once the device is enabled, they work by simply entering the USB to the computer and then pressing a button on the device to authenticate.
For more information about two-factor authentication, please contact IT Helps at 9-7700.
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