Cybersecurity threats are multiplying with each passing year. They are growing more sophisticated, as shown by the continued success enjoyed by ransomware and other scams. Two-factor authentication is a time-tested way to minimize the threat of a breach and protect the organization as well as the individual from attacks.

Drew Robb, writing for TechRepublic Premium, presents this definition of 2FA and why it is so important, how to implement it and cautions to bear in mind during the purchasing and deployment phases.

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TYPES OF 2FA

Secondary authentication factors vary in how they are used in the verification of user identities. Options range from passcodes to biometrics and codes, with the latter being by far the most common 2FA method, typically via a text message. The simple expedient of texting a time-sensitive code to a mobile device is usually enough to keep most accounts secure. This approach offers benefits that make it more acceptable to users, such as simplicity and speed of access. But it does require users to register a mobile number. If that device gets lost, stolen or damaged, the user won’t be able to validate their own identity and access their data and applications. Further, some users are sensitive to the privacy liabilities of handing their mobile number to a third party.

A time-based one time password is another approach to 2FA: A key is locally generated on the device the user wants to access, such as a QR code for the user to scan that then generates a series of time-sensitive numbers to be entered into a website or application. The advantage of TOTP is that the user is not tied to a secondary device, such as a mobile phone. The secondary authentication factor can be entered into any device, whether phone, tablet, laptop or PC. However, TOTP demands that the user possess a device that can read a QR code.

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TIME SAVED: Crafting this content required 18 hours of dedicated writing, editing, research and design.