Two-factor Authentication FAQs
A recent article published in Newsweek has brought online security to the forefront of modern technology. Over the past month, several consumers who have chosen to purchase and install Ring brand security cameras in their homes have become victims of hackers.
In Mississippi, an 8-year old girl was verbally harassed in her own bedroom by a hacker that had gained access to a camera in her bedroom. Instances such as this have been reported across the country.
When questioned, a spokesperson from Ring stated that their “…security team has investigated this incident and have no evidence of an unauthorized intrusion or compromise of Ring’s systems or network.” Instead, they are blaming the unauthorized access to Ring’s cameras on consumers choosing to use the same username and password on multiple services.
Once a hacker gains access to one service, they then have unlimited access to other services with the same login credentials. The Ring spokesperson added, “Consumers should always practice good password hygiene and we encourage Ring customers to change their passwords and enable two-factor authentication.”
The same advice is true for any type of online service- using two-factor authentication when available is recommended in order to ensure the greatest amount of security.
What is two-factor authentication?
Two-factor authentication is a way of gaining access to an online account or computer system that requires two different types of information before the user can log in.
Systems that only require a username/password combination are considered single-factor authentication.
Two-factor authentication typically uses a username/password combination along with another factor of a different kind, such as:
- Something you have
- Something you are
- Somewhere you are
Activating two-factor authentication
There are a surprising number of websites and social media platforms that offer two-factor authentication. For detailed instructions on activating two-factor authentication on the most widely-used platforms, check out this resource by The Verge.
Two-factor authentication is available for the following services or platforms. If you use any of these, consider switching to two-factor authentication today.
- Apple
- iOS
- macOS
- Fortnite
- Paypal
- Amazon
- Snapchat
- Slack
- Microsoft
- Dropbox
- Nest
- Ring
- Signal
Don’t see something you use frequently? Search any website to see if they currently offer two-factor authentication at twofactorauth.org.
Still Concerned About Your Online Safety?
If you are still concerned about your online safety, contact Hopper Corp today. We can assist you in setting up two-factor authentication all of your platforms. Additionally, we can offer advice and assistance in setting up secure internet access and computer protection.