What is two-factor authentication?
Two-factor authentication adds a second level of authentication to an account log-in. When you have to enter only your username and one password, that's considered a single-factor authentication. 2FA requires the user to have two out of three types of credentials before being able to access an account. Three common types are:
- PIN or password
- iPhone SMS, App or Email
- Fingerprint
Two-factor authentication definitely involves additional steps to your log-in process and considering the vendor, such as google, it can make that additional step effortless with the separate mobile app linked to authenticate.
This increased form of security creates physical hurdles for the hacker. They would need the physcial device in your possession in order to gain access to any tokens placed on the device.
As two-factor becomes more common, it's more likely that attacks will be more successful against it. With increased preventative measures such as security, 2FA antivirus protection and well implemented firewalls, you will likely tire out the hacker and move on.
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