Two-Factor Authentication To Replace Traditional Passwords

An Easy Way to Make it Hard for Hackers – If you’ve been living under a rock, then chances are your still using passwords as a means to safeguard your world. Passwords are what the Model-T is to to the Ford Fusion. If you’ve not heard of Two-factor authentication, then this is your chance to get the skinny on Two-factor authentication. Two-Factor Authentication also commonly referred to as Multi Authentication , its better than traditional passwords.

Passwords may have been the norm and order of the day, but that was at the dawn of the computer age, long before the term phishing ever became a buzz word. Thanks to cybercriminals and advanced hacking techniques, obtaining and decrypting a computer user’s password have become increasingly easy. In fact, it’s become so easy that these days all a hacker needs to do, is trick a user into handing over sensitive information by posing as an authority figure through an email message or phone call (a tactic known as “phishing”).

There are many types of Phishing Attacks, and that’s right; it’s really that easy. Granted, not all computer users will fall for these simple tactics. But, that doesn’t mean that your employees, who aren’t perhaps nearly as skeptical, and as savvy as you, won’t unintentionally throw your business under the bus by handing out your sensitive data and credentials like candy on Halloween. As the business owner, it’s your responsibility to make sure that all of your staff are fully trained and able to Identify a Phishing Attack such tactics and that your infrastructure is fully protected against attacks which are originating from inside your business network.

With that said the best defense is an offense, we highlighted how Microsoft scammers were trying to get their dirty hands on your computer system. Learn how to fend off a would-be phishing attack on your systems. Watch this video to see how to tackle a phishing attack by Microsoft scammers

Introducing Two-Factor Authentication

In the most basic terms, two-factor authentication is a method which makes it very difficult for hackers to access your accounts. This is typically done by using a separate security credential that only you have access to. This additional layer of security is often more than enough to dissuade hackers from attempting to access your network (or bank account, email, Twitter, etc.). For them, it’s simply a matter of risk and effort, versus the reward. By using Two-factor authentication, you’re effectively increasing the effort required to gain access to an account or system. And If the return on investment isn’t worth the effort, the hacker will more than likely leave you alone.

Popular Two-Factor Authentication Methods

1. SMS Message: A secondary code is sent to your smartphone. All you have to do is enter it when your account prompts you to and you’ll have access to your account.
2. Email to a Secondary Address: If you’d rather not receive your authentication code with your phone, you can simply check your secondary email address for it.
3. Voicemail: You can even have your security code sent to your phone’s voicemail, or in an automated voice call.
4. Two-Factor Authentication Apps: Some accounts, like Google and Microsoft, allow for easy authentication simply by connecting your account to an application on your smartphone.

To learn more visit the Two Factor Authentication Wiki page, there are plenty of choices out there. iTenol can help equip your business with the highest level security solution including but not limited to Two-factor authentication. Our services range from providing advice and guidance to your internal IT team to a complete pain-free IT outsourcing solution designed to meet your business needs and exceed your expectations. Reach out to us at (877) 948-3665 to find out more about how iTenol can assist your business to secure its users, data, and network and drive business efficiency and profitability. So whether you’re in need of a Virtual CIO, IT outsourcing, Fixed Fee Managed IT Services, VoIP or Cloud Services, or Two-Factor Authentication, We can help