Cybersecurity sounds serious and like a complicated subject. And it can be if you dive deeper into it. But that’s not actually necessary for most people. All you need is 2FA = 2-Factor Authentication, also known as 2-step verification. Even if a scammer or a hacker manages to steal your information, this additional security step makes sure that they can’t do much damage.
What is it?
2FA simply means that your log-ins and often major changes (like changing your e-mail address for an account) is protected by a second level of security. So you need your user name/e-mail address, your password, and another code. This other code is the second factor.
You get the code either via e-mail, text message, separate app or through an authenticator app, like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator. The website/company you use decides which version(s) they offer. If you have a choice, pick an authenticator app because it’s the safest option.
If you use online banking, chances are you have already used 2FA when you made a transaction. All the banks I have been with in the past few years require it. One of my banks used their own tan app, another sent me the code via text message. And I had to enter it every single time I made a transaction.
How do I turn it on?
How you turn 2FA on is a little bit different with every company. In general, log in to your account and open your profile or settings page. The 2FA is usually either under security settings or on the same page with your password and e-mail. Turn it on and follow the instructions.
If this is too vague for you, no problem. There are so many detailed instructions on how to turn it on for every single website out there! Just google this:
How to turn on 2FA [name of the website/company]
And this for authenticator apps:
How to set up 2FA with [name of authenticator app]
After you turn 2FA on, some companies will offer you recovery codes to download. These are codes you can use in case you can’t get to the regular codes, for example if you lose your phone gets stolen or someone steals your main e-mail account and logs you out. Only download these if you can store them safely. By that I mean either write them down with your passwords on a piece of paper, or store them in a password manager, like 1Password. Don’t save them on your computer.
Where should I turn it on?
Everywhere. Turn 2FA on for every log-in and account that allows you to do it. Seriously. Every one. If you are balking at this because it’s a lot of work if you haven’t turned it on anywhere yet, please at least turn it on for the important accounts.
This means any account that in some way deals with money. Paypal, Stripe or any other service provider you use to receive or send money, process payments, etc. Next on the list is the e-mail address(es) you used to set up accounts. Because if anyone gains access to your main e-mail address, they have a much easier time hacking into your other accounts. Or they change your password to log you out. Either way, it’s big hassle you want to avoid.
Why am I going through all this hassle again?
Cyber security is like any other security. People believe that no one cares about them and their facebook accounts. So it seems silly to go through all this trouble, especially with every single account. And I’m not here to scare you!
I’m here to tell you that for people who know even a little bit about tech turning on 2FA is the same as locking your door when you leave your home. It’s just a very basic step for basic security that makes a big difference. And it helps you feel safe because you know you did the best you could.
Can hackers and scammers still break into your accounts? Sure. Just like burglars can break into a house if they really want to. But it’s a lot more difficult. And if they do, they can’t steal very much because you’ve made sure that the important stuff is behind another locked door.
Scammers and hackers are just like other criminals. They go for easy targets. That’s not you anymore because you know exactly what to do now. So get started with your 2FA and make turning it on for new accounts part of your set-up routine.