Two-factor authentication :? What and why is it important -
At present, most people are aware of the importance of creating strong, words unique password for all their online accounts. If you are not already practicing smart password habits, you definitely should. With websites being hacked all kinds every day and scammers spam inboxes people with phishing attempts, vigilance is online absolutely necessary if you want to keep your accounts secure. Fortunately, Web developers have tightened security at many sites by adding something known as two-factor authentication, which adds an extra barrier to prevent an attacker would have to access your account. With such a useful defense available, it is important to understand that the two-factor authentication is and why you should be using
How does two-factor authentication
Not a new technology.? - It was patented in 1984 - the two-factor authentication (sometimes called verification to two factors or two-step verification) combines two components to prove the identity of a person when trying to access an account. A real world example withdraws money from an ATM, because you provide your credit card with a PIN that only you know. When used online, the two-factor authentication usually involves your password followed by a single randomly generated code sent to you by e-mail, text message or phone call. Some sites will also require users to answer a security question, such as the name of their first grade teacher, and others will place a call to the mobile phone user to prove that he really is the try to connect.
The advantage of two-factor authentication is that even if someone manages to get your password, if they do not also have your cell phone or anything else that is needed to complete the second stage, they can not connect to your account. In addition, when they attempt to access your account, you will be notified via an authorization code - something that the attacker would need to complete the logon process. If you receive a code to an account that you generate or trigger, you should take it as a sign that your password has been leaked and change it immediately.
Do I need to enter the code every time I log
Yes and no ?; it depends on the website you use. Most Web sites using the two factor authentication you will need to complete the verification process each time you log in from a computer or from an unknown web browser. Most will then "remember" the computer or the web browser so that you will not have to repeat the process every time -. The site generally ask you to uncheck a box if you use a device that you trust when you log in first in This is great if you use your phone or a PC, however, if you use a public computer or shared, it might be better to stay on the safe side and opt to perform authentication whenever you connect to prevent anyone to claim for you. In other words, make sure to check the box saying you do not want the site to remember the computer when you connect. Some sites, such as PayPal, you will need to perform authentication in two steps each time you log into your account if you have activated technology.
where can I find out which websites he offer?
most of online services such as the big banks and social media sites, using two-factor authentication, while others slowly begin to implement it. An engineer named Josh Davis has created a website that lists the most commonly used Web sites as well as information on whether or not they support two-factor authentication. The site, www.twofactorauth.org separates the sites by category for easy navigation and allows you to send a message to sites that do not offer the technology and ask them to add it.
How do I enable two factor authentication?
Although banks and other financial sites usually offer two-factor authentication as a default, others offer, but require users to enable the technology on their accounts if they want it is used. It is particularly important to enable two-factor authentication on your email, and any website where you use a credit card or other financial account. You can usually tell how to activate it by logging into your account on the website and enter the parameters section, or by searching the website's FAQ if you can not find it. Take note, however, the site Two-Factor Auth List links to the section on most sites that explains how to enable technology so you do not have to do much research you.
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