Protecting ourselves on the Internet is essential to maintain privacy and the proper functioning of the equipment. There are many problems that we can have. Many types of malware, attacks and threats that in one way or another can affect us. Without a doubt, a very important step to protect ourselves is to create strong passwords. Now this might not be enough. In this article we are going to talk about two-step authentication and we are going to indicate in which accounts and registries it is more convenient to use it.
What is Two-Step Authentication
First of all, we are going to explain what two-step authentication consists of . When we create an account on the Internet, such as a social network, bank account, email … we will always assign a password. That key is what will prevent anyone from entering and compromising our data.
However, it must be borne in mind that this password could be leaked. We can suffer a Phishing attack, be infected by a Trojan, keylogger or any other threat that exposes the key. It could even happen that the platform we are using has a leak.
This is where two-step authentication or multi-factor authentication comes in. This is also known as simply 2FA . Your mission is to add an extra layer of security . It is a second step that we must take to be able to log into any account or device. One more way to verify that we really are a legitimate user and we are not trying to access fraudulently.
In case someone managed to steal our password and try to log in, they would find the need to enter that second step, which is usually a code. One more form of verification that undoubtedly provides an extra security.
Where to Use Two-Step Authentication
We have this possibility in more and more services and platforms . They offer us to be able to adequately protect our accounts and thus prevent the entry of possible intruders. We are going to see in what circumstances it is essential that we use two-step authentication and protect ourselves adequately.
Bank accounts
One of the online services where it is essential to configure two-step authentication is in bank accounts . It is increasingly common to access our bank simply from the mobile application or through the web version.
In case we suffer an attack and someone could obtain the access password, we could have problems. Hence the importance of configuring 2FA and adding that extra layer of security to prevent unwanted intruders.
Social media
We can also apply this on social networks. Services such as Facebook, Instagram or Twitter are widely used today. There we can save private messages with personal information, contacts, publish images, etc. If someone were to enter our account, it could seriously compromise our privacy.
Therefore, it is also very important to configure two-step authentication. It is necessary to protect our accounts as much as possible and not have problems when browsing the Internet and using social networks.
Of course email is a very important service in our day to day. There we can store relevant information, have attachments saved and even have it linked to many other accounts on the Internet.
It is another of those services where we must always activate two-step authentication. Only in this way will we be truly protected on the network and we will not be in danger if we suffer a Phishing attack, for example, and our e-mail password is stolen.
Messaging programs
Instant messaging programs are widely used today. We are talking, for example, of WhatsApp , which also has a web version, as well as any other similar. We can even include programs to make video calls, something that has also gained a lot of weight lately.
We must protect these applications with two-factor authentication, whenever possible. This will prevent them from impersonating our identity and accessing these programs on our behalf.
Cloud storage
Cloud storage services are also widely used today. They are used to store all kinds of content, create backup copies, access files from anywhere, share data with other users …
If someone managed to enter our account we could have problems. Important information could leak out. Hence, it is also essential to correctly configure two-step authentication and protect ourselves.
These are, in short, the accounts that we must protect whenever possible with two-step authentication. The objective is none other than adding that extra security to prevent intruders who can steal our data.