Ditch The Loopholes In Your Two-Factor Authentication: No major tech giant is without two-factor implementation; due to a high number of hacking incidents; all these companies have implemented two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of verification. Two-factor authentication has been claimed to be a necessity when it comes to keeping password driven systems safe; but in reality, they are as prone to risks as normal password driven systems are. So, let’s learn what are the loopholes in your two-factor authentication and how to ditch them.
Ditch The Loopholes In Your Two-Factor Authentication
Two-Factor Authentication -Not As Secure As It Seems
A year ago, John Biggs, TechCrunch author; was victimized by a hacker who was able to steal his phone number by getting access to his T-Mobile SIM card. This gave the hacker access to John’s phone number; that was utilized for sending an SMS as a part of the two-factor authentication to authenticate identity.
While John was right in applying two-factor authentication; he missed out on supplementing an extra layer of security to the account of his wireless carrier. The hacker locked him out of all of his accounts and asked for Bitcoin in ransom.
Thankfully, John Biggs was able to get back the control on his accounts as well as his phone number. There’s a significant take away from this story; and you can learn to save yourself this random trouble. Here are some tips to keep your different accounts safe.
Pin For the Phone Account
The easiest way to keep your phone’s wireless account safe; and in your control is by setting a password or security PIN for it. It can quickly be done by contacting your phone carrier and asking them to enable the PIN protection; which is a free service. You can alternatively log into your online account to edit the security settings.(also see, 5 Best VPN For iPhone and iPad 2018)
Don’t misunderstand this to be the passcode you use to unlock your phone. This will instead be a special PIN that you will need every time you deal with your carrier. For example, if you’re talking to a customer care representative on the phone; you can’t make any changes to the setting on your account if you are unable to give them the PIN. You can also set up your unique password by going to the carrier’s retail store along with your valid identification.
Use Trustable Services
SMS based authentication process works by sending you a random code via SMS on your mobile phone number; that is used to authenticate your identity and then you can access your account. This is unmistakably a great initiative to make your digital life more secure. But with the high-level ways, hackers are making attacks; you will have to take your security standards a little higher. Try only to use this when two-factor authentication isn’t available.
We often sync our mobile phones with other devices and you may not just receive that authentication message on your phone. It will also reflect on all these different synced devices or can go to online messaging services that can be accessed from elsewhere. If the right security protocols are not set, even carrier based SIM card transfers are in jeopardy.
There are several two-factor authentication applications such as Authy and Google Authenticator that can make your accounts more secure because they don’t apply email addresses or SMS, lessening entry points for hackers. The signing in process is more complicated and requires you to have your authentication device on you to enter some periodically randomized numbers.
Google Authenticator creates a new code every few seconds so a hacker will require your phone in exactly that time frame to hack your account. Since this is nearly impossible, it will keep you protected.
Always Have Your One-time Codes Accessible
Using two-factor authentication applications such as Google Authenticator come with choosing a backup password if it so happens that you lose your phone. Users should keep these codes handy and always have them accessible in a safe place like your home study or a folder in your bedside drawer.
Conclusion -Ditch the Loopholes In Your Two-Factor Authentication
It’s always a good idea to have a plan B to follow if things don’t go your way. You should also consider using a reliable VPN service to protect your overall network connection. You may check, Most Secure VPN Services in 2018.
