As the new year begins, it is a great time to think about refreshing passwords and protecting yourself online.
We've read about the recent data breaches. We're sure you have too. Multi-factor authentication (2FA) is a way to keep your accounts safe.
If you've used 2FA before, then you know how it works: You need to enter an additional code that's sent via text or email when logging in from an unfamiliar device or location — or even if someone tries to log in on your account from another browser.
You'll see this feature offered by most of the big players in tech, including Apple, Google and Facebook (to name just a few). Some companies also offer tools that allow you to generate backup codes that you can use if your phone runs out of battery power or gets stolen.
To see if your details have been exposed:
Type in all your email addresses (you can even check your family or team members)
You will be surprised to find most have their passwords already compromised.
Cybercriminals have more than 15 billion stolen credentials to choose from. If they choose yours, they could take over your bank accounts, health care records, company secrets, and more.
Multi-factor authentication is essential, making stealing your information harder for the average criminal. The harder your data is to access, the more likely thieves will choose someone else to target.
How to switch on Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for significant applications: