Why use two-step authentication

Today we will show you why you must use two-step authentication offered by the different services on the network.

Currently it is natural to use a number of different online services. We have an email account (like Gmail), a profile on a social network (like Facebook), a cloud storage space to save our files (like Dropbox), a user on a gaming platform (like Steam) and much more. The result of this is a lot of passwords that must be kept to use all these essential tools for our day to day.

Why use two-step authentication?

However, for some time now, there is a very effective way to avoid this dependence on passwords, which we often forget. Two-step authentication, also called two-step verification, is a way to protect your online services account in case your password is stolen. More and more platforms are beginning to adopt this method, which has contributed to promoting security among users.

How does two-step authentication work?

The precise operation of two-step authentication may vary slightly from one service to another, but it follows the basic rule of thumb to use two elements to do the check:

• Your passwordYour phone

Thus, despite the fact that a malicious person has your password, they will not be able to access your data / accounts / services without having the phone. In general, this second stage of authentication occurs through SMS messages that are sent to your mobile phone, but it is also possible to carry out this check using specific codes, usually randomly.

This is the perfect solution for those who are going to use a machine in a public place and do not fully trust the safety of that station. As much as the computer is maliciously equipped to capture the passwords of others, the malicious person will not be able to do anything without your mobile phone in the second stage of verification.

Below, we list some of the services that already use two-step authentication, and we recommend activating this functionality on these platforms.

Google

Google was one of the first to use two-step authentication for its services. Today, many users receive the verification SMS when accessing Gmail, Google Drive, YouTube, Calendar, Google Play and many other platforms from the search giant.

To configure the two-step verification for Google services if you have not already done so, access this link (https://www.google.com/intl/es-ES/landing/2step/) and do your right now sign up to start protecting your account. The codes sent to your smartphone, these are generated exclusively for you, and can be used only once.

If you want to have even more control over access to your Google accounts, you can turn to Google Authenticator, an official Google application to protect users. Even if you have already set up two-step verification using an SMS text message or voice calls, you can also generate codes on Android, iPhone or BlackBerry using this app.

Dropbox

Dropbox is another online service that uses two-step verification. Thus, you can protect your files stored in the cloud in case of loss of the password. Once the person stole your password, they will need your mobile phone to receive the text message or use the official Dropbox application to log into your account. To enable two-step authentication, do the following:

• Visit the dropbox.com website Go to the upper right corner and click your name to open the account menu In the account menu, click "Settings" and select the "Security" tab In the "Verification in two steps ”, click on“ Enable ”Click on“ Introduction ”

For security reasons, you must enter your password again to enable two-step verification. After confirmation, you will have the option to receive the security codes by text message or use an application for mobile devices.

After enabling the feature, it is good to add a secondary phone number that receives text messages. If you lose the main mobile, you can receive a security code on this secondary number.

Facebook

Login approvals are an additional security feature on the social network. If you enable this tool, you will need to enter a specific security code when you access your social network account on a new mobile phone, computer or browser.

To activate login approvals, do the following:

• Go to your Security Settings. Click on the "Login Approvals" section. Check the box and click "Save Changes."

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After enabling this feature, it will be necessary to learn how to use the Code Manager. This tool is part of an additional security feature of login approvals. If you enable login approvals, you will receive a request for a special security code every time you try to login to your Facebook account on another computer or mobile phone.

The Code Generator is a resource in the Facebook application that generates a unique security code in an interval of 30 seconds, regardless of whether or not you have access to text messages (SMS) or an internet connection. You can use this code to log in or also your password, along with the Code Generator if you need to reset your password.

To receive your code on your Android, iPhone or iPad:

• In the Facebook application, click on one of the three horizontal lines Scroll down and click on “Code generator” Use the code to log in to Facebook

If you prefer not to use the Code Generator, you can choose to receive a text message to login whenever necessary or use security codes sent by Facebook. You can receive 10 login codes to print, write down, or save for when you need them.

Steam and battle.net

The Steam Guard represents a powerful level of security that you can apply to your Steam account. Login credentials are the first level of security for your account: username and password. With the Steam Guard, a second level of security is applied to your account, making it difficult for it to fall into the wrong hands.

When the Steam Guard is active on your account, whenever you log in from an unrecognized device, you will need to use a special access code to confirm ownership. Depending on your Steam Guard settings, you will receive an email with the special code or the Steam app code on your smartphone.

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Our recommendation is that you use the Steam app for smartphones, available for Android and iOS. Through the application, you can obtain the codes to perform the second stage of authentication and access your personal account on the digital gaming platform.

In case you also have a Battle.net account, you can enable two-step verification in a very similar way to what happens in Steam Guard. To do this, just download the Mobile Authenticator available for iOS, Android, BlackBerry and Windows Phone. Protecting your account from these gaming platforms is a great solution to avoid being hacked by malicious users.

Microsoft also has extra security

Microsoft also uses the two-step authentication system in its services, which also have several online options for users. If you activate two-step verification, you will receive a security code in the email, phone or authenticating application whenever you enter an untrusted device. When it is deactivated, you only have to confirm your identity using security codes on a regular basis and when there is any risk to the security of the account.

To enable or disable two-step verification, follow these steps:

• Access the Security Settings page and log in with your Microsoft account In the two-step verification section, then select "Configure two-step verification" to activate it or select "Disavigate two-step verification" to deactivate Follow the instructions

Some applications like email on some phones or devices like Xbox 360 do not use regular security codes. If the “wrong password” error appears in an app or device after two-step verification is turned on, but you're still sure the password is correct, you'll need an app password for this app or device.

Why should you start using this function?

Still not convinced about the need to use two-step authentication on all the services you use? Take the following test: mentally count how many online platforms you are currently registered with. It is very likely that for each of them you have a specific password. Now imagine if you lost one of them in favor of a person with bad intentions. How do you ensure that your account will be secure? With two-step authentication!

If you have this feature enabled, you shouldn't be too worried about losing your passwords. Take the Google account as an example. Essential services such as Gmail, YouTube, Calendar, etc. are concentrated there. Losing that password and being found by a hacker would be gigantic damage. To avoid this problem, enable two-step authentication and sleep peacefully knowing that all your data will be safe.

What do you think of our guide on two-step authentication? As always we recommend reading our tutorials and if you have any questions, you can contact us.