Updated July 21, 2023
Ever worry about getting hacked?
Your password isn’t protecting you the way you think it is. Especially if someone can guess your password from looking at your social media. But let’s say you have a complex password – or even use a password manager – unfortunately malicious cyber actors still have ways to get past your password. And once they’re in your accounts, your money and even your identity is at risk.
So, what do you need? More than a password: a second method to verify your identity.
That’s where Multifactor authentication (MFA) can make you much more secure. Taking the extra step beyond just a password can protect your business, online purchases, bank accounts, and even your identity from potential hackers.
The 'AKAs' of MFA:
• Multifactor Authentication
• Two Step Authentication
• 2-Step Verification
• Two Factor Authentication
• 2FA
What is Multifactor Authentication?
MFA is a way to prove it’s you with two step authentication. It is a layered approach to securing your online accounts and the data they contain. When you enable MFA in your online services (like email), you must provide a combination of two or more authenticators to verify your identity before the service grants you access. Using MFA protects your account more than just using a username and password.
Users who enable MFA are significantly less likely to get hacked. Why? Because even if a malicious cyber actor compromises one factor (like your password), they will almost always be unable to meet the second authentication requirement, which ultimately stops them from gaining access to your accounts.
Online services want to make sure you are who you say you are, and—more importantly—they want to prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing your account and data. So, they are taking a step to double check. Instead of asking you just for something you know (e.g., a password)—which can be reused, more easily cracked, or stolen—they can verify it’s you by asking for another piece of information:
Typical forms of MFA:
• Something You Know, like a PIN number or password
• Something You Have, like an authentication application or a confirmation text on your phone
• Something You Are, like a fingerprint or face scan
Enabling MFA on your accounts
Now that you know what it is, you will recognize prompts for multifactor authentication all over. Be sure to opt in when you have the option!
A good way to start is to look at the security settings on your most-used accounts. You may see options to enable MFA listed as “Two Factor Authentication,” “Multifactor Authentication,” or “Two Step Factor Authentication.” There are many ways you may be asked to provide a second form of authentication.
Where to implement MFA:
• Email accounts
• Financial services
• Social media accounts
• Online stores
• Gaming and streaming entertainment services
If you don’t see a prompt for multifactor authentication on one of these accounts, send a note to each company asking them to enable the feature. After all, it’s your security at stake!
RPD thanks to CISA for the information used in this article: https://www.cisa.gov/MFA