A brief guide on how to activate Two-Factor Authentication

Strong Authentication and the 3 levels of validation

Two-Factor Authentication, or Strong Customer Authentication (SCA), is a system for protecting your accounts that provides, for greater security, the use of multiple factors to complete the authentication process of a user.

Two-Factor Authentication is essentially based on three different types of validation. The first concerns data that the user knows, such as a password or PIN. The second refers to a tool in the user’s possession, such as a smartphone or a security token. The third is inherent in something that the user is, such as a fingerprint, voice stamp or other biometric data.

How does Two-Factor Authentication work? After entering your username and the first type of validation – that is the password – the system requires you to use an additional factor to gain access to the account.

Generally, the additional factor belongs to the second type of validation and involves entering a numeric code (OTP code) that you receive via a text message on your smartphone or via a security token.

Why should you use Two-Factor Authentication? The 3 main advantages

There are three reasons why enabling Two-Factor Authentication is important. Indeed, it:

1. is the most effective security measure to protect your accounts from the threat of identity theft;
2. counters phishing attacks by which cybercriminals try to obtain your personal information or sensitive data;
3. is convenient, because it allows you to use your biometric data instead of codes or passwords that you could lost.

How to activate Two-Factor Authentication

According to data presented by Microsoft during the RSA Conference 2020, of over 1.2 million accounts hacked in the first month of 2020, 99.9% did not have 2FA. Therefore, activating it is extremely important. However, there is no universal procedure for protecting your accounts: the ways to do this vary depending on the service and / or platform. Here are some instructions to activate 2FA on Facebook, Instagram, and Google.

Facebook

Facebook’s Two-Factor Authentication requires you to enter a special code every time someone tries to access your account from an unrecognized browser or mobile device.

To activate it:

1. Go to the security and access settings;
2. Scroll to Use Two-Factor Authentication and click Edit;
3. Choose the security method you prefer and follow the instructions.

You can choose one of these security methods:

• Touching your security key on a compatible device.
• Sending access codes via a third-party authentication app.
• Sending codes to your mobile phone via text message (SMS).

Instagram

1. Tap the profile picture at the bottom right, then click on the three-line menu at the top right;
2. Go to Settings> Security> Two-Factor Authentication;
3. Press the Get Started button, and choose one of these two security methods:

• access codes from a third-party authentication app;
• codes via SMS on your mobile.

Google

1. Log in to Gmail, enter settings and click on Manage Your Account;
2. Enter the Security section and choose the Two-Factor Verification option;
3. Configure authentication by following and instructions.