When it comes to daily news, cyber-attacks and data breaches are becoming as common as morning brew headlines. Have you ever heard about eminent websites being vulnerable, leading to data leaks containing your email and password details? Your desktop may fall prey to malware that can sneakily capture your bank or credit card details. The most distressing cases lead to identity theft – a crime that’s easy to execute with hefty outcomes for cybercriminals.
Gone are those simpler days when we trusted passwords to keep our data safe. Currently, cyber attackers employ advanced methods like phishing, pharming, and keylogging to snatch away your password. Some cyber thieves can even bombard your account with billions of password combinations.
Like most users, if you have the habit of using identical passwords for multiple websites, you are at an elevated risk. Anyone who cracks your password doesn’t just gain access to one account, but all that you’ve used it for. Alarmingly easy to access personal trivia like your first pet’s name or your high school mascot merely adds to this vulnerability.
Think of a jewelry store. Do they only depend on a lock and key to protect their precious items? Not at all. They would have multiple layers of security such as alarms, motion detectors, and sometimes even reinforced windows. Your data is just as precious and needs more than one security layer for effective protection.
That’s where 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) comes in – consider it the digital equivalent of an extra protective layer for your valuable data. Also known as multiple-step or multi-factor verification, it is an extra step to confirm a user’s identity. Depending on your security settings, this could be activated every time you sign in or only under specific conditions, like signing in from a new device or location.
You will find 2FA options across many services you may use already, like Facebook, Gmail, and Xero Accounting among others. If you’ve ever received a unique verification code via text or email from your bank before gaining access, you’ve utilized 2FA. It can also take the form of a smartphone app or a physical electronic token.
2FA is especially crucial for online banking, email, online shopping (Amazon or PayPal), cloud storage services (Dropbox or Sync), password managers, communications apps, and productivity tools. This importance multiples if you frequently use the same passwords for different websites and applications.
While some may perceive social networks as relatively safe, weak security for these accounts can compromise many connected apps and websites. A lot of websites and apps offer sign-in options through your Facebook or Twitter account for convenience. Strengthening the security of these networks ensures that someone who cracks your password doesn’t gain sweeping access to all linked accounts.
The essence of implementing 2FA is to set up daunting hurdles for hackers, making it harder for them to gain unauthorized access to your personal data.
Navigating the realm of online security can be daunting. At Microsupport, our seasoned technicians simplify this process, ensuring seamless security for all your digital needs. With over 10 years of experience building solid, secure IT infrastructures, we’re here to safeguard your digital life.
Don’t leave your digital security to chance. Establish your 2FA protective layer now and let Microsupport secure your online presence. Contact us today – we’re just a call away at 602-692-7300.
