With remote working as the new normal, it’s no secret that username and password combinations can be stolen by hackers more easily than before, resulting in more data breaches on a regular basis. When this happens, likely the company didn’t have two-factor authentication.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) works by adding an additional layer of security to your online accounts. It requires another step of verification beyond your username and password. Hackers can easily guess a user’s username and password, but without that second factor, it’s next to impossible to hack into that user’s account.
With RD Web Login, you’ll never have to worry about hackers accessing your user accounts as it provides a strong two-factor authentication method to your company.
(H2) What Can You Use for 2FA?
Two-factor authentication should be thought of as an approach, not a method. There are many different methods that exist in order to secure your account with two-factor authentication.
There are three types of two-factor authentication:
- Knowledge factor: Additional login information that only the account holder knows. This can include a PIN number or a security question.
- Possession factor: Devices that an account holder owns in order to receive additional login credentials. This can be a security token, a mobile phone application, or a tablet.
- Inherence factor: Biometric login credentials that are unique to the account holder. This can include facial or fingerprint recognition.
It’s important to note that as a company, you’ll need to determine which two-factor authentication method works best for you. The majority of companies prefer the device method as it doesn’t require users to carry around multiple devices and is more budget-friendly versus any type of biometric authentication.
(H2) How Does 2FA Work?
Here is what 2FA looks like for each of the methods we described above.
(H3) Text Message
Text messages as a form of two-factor authentication will send a login code to a registered mobile device. This is the most common method of 2FA as all you need is a phone and a connection to a wireless network.
SMS 2FA is very common with personal user accounts but does pose its risks. There is a great chance that someone can and will impersonate you, and if you lose your phone, someone now has unauthorized access to your accounts.
If your company chooses to go with this method, employees should have a dedicated corporate phone line. Routing access through an employee’s personal number risks a terminated employee doing major damage.
Employees’ personal phone plans may not offer service everywhere, which risks an employee locking themselves out of their accounts while working internationally.
(H3) Authentication Applications
Authenticator applications work by using a mobile application to generate an authentication code. You must enter this code to gain access to your account.
The authenticator app doesn’t require the user to have access to a wireless network. Any internet connection is enough to access your account.
Many authenticator apps also offer a list of backup codes to use incase of any connectivity problems.
(H3) Biometric Authentication
Biometric 2FA works by requiring a unique physical attribute of the user in order to gain access to the account.
Common methods of biometric authentication include fingerprint recognition, facial recognition, retina and iris recognition, etc. Biometric authentication is mainly used in higher security sectors such as government or healthcare.
There are some concerns of biometric data theft that some users have expressed; however, if your company data is being stored in the cloud and is protected with 2FA, then there is no need to worry about your information being stolen or compromised.
(H2) Two-Factor Authentication Best Practices
In order to have maximum protection, you never want to use just a username and password to protect your user accounts. By adding that additional layer of security, you’re offering maximum security.
To get the most out of your 2FA solution, you’ll want to follow these best practices:
- Don’t use your personal phone number for SMS 2FA. Phone companies are well known for getting tricked into changing account details from hackers. Instead you’ll want to set up a corporate number or a voice number from Google so that you can keep a device a carrier cannot change.
- Don’t use email-based account resets. While convenient, this makes it easy for hackers to bypass other 2FA procedures you’ve put in place and get access to the account with just a username and password.
- Use a combination of authentication methods. When you use more than one 2FA method, the more secure your information is.
Two-factor authentication is an important and essential step to preventing your company from a cyber attack. Although adding additional verification can be inconvenient, it’s much less costly than having to pay ransomware.