Securing Online Accounts with 2FA
It's really important to secure online accounts with 2FA. A large number of celebrities and journalists Twitter accounts are regularly hacked. Often not for malicious reasons, but to show that the the accounts were vulnerable. People sometimes do this in an effort to make a point regarding online security issues, or to cause harm.
Mobile Number Spoofing
The ease at which mobile numbers are spoofed, should come as a warning to people using a text message as a means to authenticate their online accounts. By spoofing the target number, it enables an attacker to send an authentication message from the platform to another device. This allows access to the account. Passwords and details can be altered once the account has been accessed, which can prevent the owner of the account from accessing it.
The first line of defence is always going to be a strong password. Two Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security, to protect your account. However, the use of a text message to send codes for an online account to a mobile device, can be a vulnerability. This is why we recommend using Authy.
Mobile Authenticator Code Generator
One way to protect the account from an attack, such as this is to use a Mobile Authenticator Code Generator such as Authy. The App is free and really easy to use. You can download it directly from the Google Play Store or the App Store. Once installed log follow this guide for some of the more popular Platforms. Authy has an extensive list of guides on its homepage, which you can find here.
Protecting your Facebook Account
- Log in to your account
- Go to your Security and Login Settings by clicking tab in the top-right corner of FacebookGo to Settings > Security and Login.
- Scroll down to and select Use two-factor authentication and then click Edit.
- Choose the authentication method you want to add and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Click Enable once you've selected and turned on an authentication method.
There are several two-factor authentication methods you can use with your Facebook account when logging in from an unrecognized computer or mobile device. To begin, choose either:
- Text message (SMS) codes from your mobile phone.
- Login codes from a third-party authentication app.
Third Party Authentication App
To connect the account
- Select third-party authentication app.
- A QR code will appear on the screen
- Open Authy and select the + to add a new account
- Point the camera at the QR code to connect the account
- Facebook asks for an authentication code. Authy generates a new code. This code will only be valid for 30 Second and changes every 30 seconds.
- That's it your set up and ready to go.
- Log in to you account
- Go to your profile
- Select Account then Review your Log in Verification Methods
- Select Mobile Security App
- A QR code will appear on the screen
- Open Authy and select the + to add a new account
- Point the camera at the QR code to connect the account
- Twitter will now ask for an authentication code which will be generated by Authy. This code will only be valid for 30 Second and changes every 30 seconds.
- Once you enter the code, that's it your set up and ready to go.
Gmail
- Log in to your account
- Select Security > Two Factor Authentication
- Then Select Enable Two Factor Authentication
- Now Select Authenticator App Set Up
- A QR code will appear on the screen
- Open Authy and select the + to add a new account
- Point the camera at the QR code to connect the account
Gmail asks for an authentication code. Authy will generate a new code which will change every 30 seconds. Enter the code and that's it. A new code is required in from Authy before you can access the account.
These are only a few of the Guides Available. Be sure to check them out and start securing your family accounts today.
