We hear from our clients how awful two-factor authentication is going to be, and we sympathize. But—every day brings a new story of a major security breach. We have to keep fighting the good fight. Especially if your business allows employee remote access to company data, you need to have this important preventive security in place.
Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, is similar to a deadbolt added to a door handle lock. There are three generally recognized factors for authentication: something you know (your password), something you have (a hardware token or a cell phone), and something you are (your fingerprint or retina.)
Biometric scanners are not that common yet, so usually, the second authentication is just a numeric code sent to your cell phone, to be used only once. Now we have specialized apps, and they can have a set of rotating codes to be used as the second authentication, and you don’t even have to have a connection to get one.
Aptica can demonstrate how two-factor authentication will work for you
A leader in this area is Google Authenticator (free on Android, iOS, BlackBerry). Two others who do the same thing are Twilio Authy (free on iOS, Android, BlackBerry, macOS, Windows and the Chrome browser), and Duo Mobile (on iOS, Android, BlackBerry, and Windows phone). The second two present with more interesting style and colors than the Google Authenticator. And, password manager LastPass has also launched a 2FA authenticator for iOS and Android. The codes generated in authenticator apps will sync across your accounts, and you scan a QR code on a phone and get your six-digit access code on your browser.
Okay—so being secure isn’t easy these days. The really bad guys out there are counting on you being lax rather than working to protect yourself. But it’s worth it, in the long run, to avoid outsiders raiding and stealing your identity, data, or money. Take the time to learn about two-factor authentication. Aptica can help you.
Jason Newburg, 260.243.5100, ext 2001, is the founder and owner of Aptica LLC. This IT management and support company has been serving small to medium-sized businesses for 15 years in the area that includes Angola, South Bend, and Fort Wayne, IN, Battle Creek, MI, and Toledo, OH.