Two-factor authentication or 2FA is a must-know for anyone who is active in cyberspace without exception.
There are still many people who do not care about the importance of two-factor authentication or in English it is called two-factor authentication.
In this article, you will understand the definition of 2FA, its important role, and the types of two-factor authentication.
Apart from that, we will also show you how to enable 2FA for your account in general.
Let’s look at the initial discussion of this article regarding the definition of 2FA.
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Definition of Two-factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication or 2FA is an additional layer system for the security of your account.
The idea is that this 2FA is a double verification that you have to go through in order to log into your social media accounts, emails or something else.
This double verification can be done by several methods depending on the type.
This 2FA is implemented on accounts that require user login access to make it difficult for anyone who wants to log into your account and perform unpleasant acts.
Well, this might raise questions like “why isn’t a password or PIN enough to keep the account safe?”
When it comes to cybersecurity or digital security, there are many threats that can penetrate a security system that only has one layer.
Imagine if it turns out that there is a data breach or website breach where criminals steal data from all users of a website.
This can threaten anyone including large eCommerce companies.
For example, the Tokopedia data breach that occurred exactly two years ago. Data thieves can get an email, user ID, name and date of birth, as well as a Tokopedia account password.
Even though the passwords obtained by hackers are still hash-passwords (encoded), people who buy the data can still guess them from other stolen information.
This sounds really scary. Therefore, to avoid access from foreign parties, you can use 2FA.
If you have been exposed to a data breach, at least your account is still safe until later you can change the password again.
How 2FA Works
2FA is an additional authentication that has various types of user verification methods. Even so, the way 2FA works has the same process.
- When a user logs into an account on a website, they will be asked to use a username and password.
- If you do not use your username and password to login, the website will provide a unique code that will be validated by the server.
- The site will ask the user to carry out the next verification step with a biometric, security code, identity card or code that is valid for a certain period of time.
- The server will validate and match the authentication and allow the user to access the account can verify the second step can be passed correctly.
Types of 2FA
There are several types of 2FA that you can choose as additional protection for account security. The following are some of them.
1. Two-Factor Authentication via SMS
This version of 2FA is the most commonly used. The website will send an SMS containing a special code that is only valid for a certain period of time.
The disadvantage of this type of authentication is that if your cellphone number is forfeited and changes ownership, or has been duplicated, the person who has the cellphone number will be able to break into it.
2. 2FA Authentication via Email
2FA by email is another way you can choose. The website will send a unique code or direct link to re-verify.
The drawbacks are similar to 2FA authentication with SMS. If your email is hacked, the code will fall into the wrong hands.
3. App-Based Authentication
Google Email usually uses an app to authenticate.
Have you ever when logging into Gmail, your smartphone shows a notification “Are you accessing email from ABCD device?”
Well, this is what is called app-based authentication. This authentication is quite safe, unless your cellphone is stolen and the email data is still stuck on the cellphone.
4. Recovery Code
Usually when you activate authentication, the application or website provides a recovery code, or in English it is called a recovery code.
You must store the code in a safe place. You can use the notes feature in the password manager application.
One code can only be used once. If you run out, you can get a new code.
Can WordPress Use 2FA?
The answer is yes! You can make WordPress more secure with 2FA, especially if your website is a business website.
To do so, you will need the WP 2FA – Two-factor authentication for WordPress plugin.
Access the dashboard, navigate to Plugins and click Add New. After that, search for the name of the plugin that we mentioned earlier.
If you have found it, please install it immediately and click Activate once installed.
After successfully activating the plugin, open the plugin and click Let’s get started!
Select the authentication method you want and then select Continue Setup.
This plugin also allows you to choose who I need to use 2FA such as All users, Only for specific users and roles, and Do not enforce on any users.
We recommend applying it All users and not excluding anyone can want to be completely safe.
After that, also set a period of several days for users to apply 2FA after it is applied.
Once everything is done, you can configure your own 2FA. What you need to prepare is the Google Authenticator application which is available on the playstore.
After successfully scanning the barcode, enter the authentication code and click Validate & Save Configuration.
Ready to Secure Your Account?
Account security is paramount. You can do this in several ways, all of which we have discussed in this article.
For other articles related to the world of IT and online business, you can access the GoldenFast Network blog.
See you in our next article!