Have you heard the term two-factor authentication but aren’t entirely sure what it means? The easiest way to explain it is with an example.
Let’s say you log into a website with your username and password. You’re ready to access the site, but it wants you to complete another step. The site asks you to verify yourself by sending a code to the account’s email address or phone number. This code is usually time-sensitive. It must be entered into a box on the website within a certain window, or the code will expire. Ugh!
Here’s A Visual Representation of How it Works:
This process is called two-factor authentication (sometimes referred to as 2FA). It’s called “Two Factor” because you have to verify yourself twice. First, you input the correct username and password. Second, you input the code you get as a text or email (usually a 6-digit number code).
Two-factor authentication can be annoying when you’re in a hurry. However, it’s a simple and effective way to protect your important accounts.
Here is an example of using Two Factor Authentication to login to iCloud.
Step 1: Log in to your account with your username and password.
Step 1b: The system will send you a code to your phone.
After you log in, iCloud will automatically send you a text code to your phone.
This is a screenshot of my mobile phone with the temporary code sent to me.
One key part of two-factor authentication is that you need a mobile phone to receive text messages.
Some websites allow you to have a code emailed instead of texted, but others may only have a text option.
Step 2: Enter the code that was sent via text.
Enter that code into the website that was sent to your phone.
Step 3: Now You Are Inside Your Secure Account
Once you have completed this two-factor authentication, you will have access to your secure account.
But Aren’t Strong Passwords Enough?
Many websites require you to input a username and password to access your account online. During the early days of the Internet, people used simple and easy-to-remember usernames and passwords (like “password123” or the pet’s name). Over time, hacking increased, and internet security became a serious concern.
Strong passwords are essential. However, they may not be enough to prevent online security breaches. Smart hackers use sophisticated programs to crack complex passwords. If you struggle with passwords, read my post on how not to go crazy trying to remember strong passwords.
For more tips on securing your site against spammers and hackers, check out my article “How to Keep Your Site Safe from Spammers and Hackers.”
An Added Layer of Security
Two-factor authentication adds another layer of security to keep personal information safe. However, many users don’t opt-in to use it unless forced to do so by their service provider. People either don’t understand what it is and why it’s important, or they don’t want the inconvenience.
When available, I highly recommend using two-factor authentication on websites (especially your financial accounts). The time and effort required to prove your identity again are worth the added protection from hackers.
Setup May Be Different on Each Platform
Popular websites like PayPal, Amazon, Facebook, Google, Twitter, iCloud, and Apple all offer two-factor authentication for added security. Setting up two-factor authentication will be slightly different for each website.
The option is generally found in your account settings section. A quick Google search of the website name and two-factor authentication should give you instructions on setting it up for that service.
Final Thoughts…
Protecting your online accounts is important these days. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a simple way to make your accounts more secure. While it might feel like an extra step, the extra protection it gives you from hackers is worth it.
By setting up 2FA on your important accounts, you’re protecting your personal information. It’s better to spend a few extra seconds confirming your identity than to risk having your account hacked.
[Originally published Oct. 2020. Updated Oct. 2024]
