In the last few years, cyber attacks have increased day by day. Only one password is not sufficient for online security or websites. Hackers are ready to hack the website or sensitive information which is not protected safely. The 2FA is in existence in this article i am explaining the benefits of 2FA why it is used to increase the online security.

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What is 2-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication is a process in which a person adds more security measures or layers to secure a website, app, or sensitive information. It is hard to crack or hack a password. In this process, a person adds two more ways to verify themselves to log in to an online account.

The two factors usually belong to three categories.

1. Something you know refers to you knowing the password, pin and security questions only you know.
2. Something you have like a smartphone, smart card, or authentication app.
3. Something you are- refers to information about fingerprint authentication voice or facial recognition like a face scan or eye scan.

How does the two factor authentication works

1. First, the user enters a username and password to log in.
2. second-factor verification- one-time password(OTP) sent by sms or email ID.

• Authentication apps like Google Authentication or Microsoft Authentication.
• A biometric scan- like a facial scan, eye scan, voice scan, or fingerprint scan like a thumb scan.
• a physical security key like a Yubikey.

If both processes is correct then a person is allowed to log in 

Types of Two-Factor Authentication(2FA)

1. SMS-based authentication- a verification SMS to send on mobile. Use it and complete the verification. It is highly used and widely used. It is more commonly used for two-factor authentication.
2. Email authentication- it is similar to SMS authentication otp comes in an email id. Use it and complete the login process.
3. Authentication apps- apps like Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator. if the device is lost then it is not possible to log in again.
4. Biometric authentication- there are so many ways to use biometrics using finger facial recognition voice and eye scans.
5. Hardware device- Yubikey or Titan security key, user plugs in USB port or connects with Bluetooth. Too secure to use.

Benefits of Two-Factor Authentication

1. Enhanced security- 2FA authentication increases the security. Passwords are easily compromised by phishing by the hacking organization or by the leak. After 2 FA authentication, you can add the 1 extra layer.
2. Protection against phishing- even if Hacker gets a password through phishing still he needs 2FA authentication to log in to a/c
3. Compliance with security regulation- so many industries and companies need 2FA authentication according to rules and regulations like gdpr, hippa and pci-dss.
4. Reduces account takeovers- after 2FA authentication ac hacking is reduced. Approximate AC hacking is impossible after 2FA authentication.
5. User-friendly security. Biometric authentication is easy in comparison to using the complex to remember long passwords.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

2 FA is a security tool that comes with some challenges. Just like a door lock when the key is stolen how to open the door.

1. user inconvenience- some users find the 2FA authentication is boring, time-consuming, or too much difficult. The best solution to overcome this is biometric authentication.
2. lost or stolen device- if the user loses his device then it is difficult to log in to the account. To overcome this problem create multi-authentication or code to access and recover the account.
3. dependence on network connectivity- otp comes on the mobile or email ID for this to obtain the need for cellular connection or internet. To overcome this needs a hardware device or authentication app that generates codes offline.
4. cost consideration- the implementation of advanced authentication may be costly for the business. That is why start with free or cheap authentication things like Google authenticator.

How to Enable 2-Factor Authentication

1. First login to your account setting.
2. Then go to the security settings.
3. Look for the two-factor authentication(2FA) and enable it.
4. Choose a preferred authentication like SMS or otp.
5. Follow the screen instructions.
6. Save the backup codes for emergency access.

conclusion

2-factor authentication is a very important thing in this era for security. It reduces the cyber attack or hacking of the account or security. It adds one more layer to security. 2FA is to keep improving online security. In the future online security will increase by adding more things, equipment and features. Enabling 2FA is a simple but effective way to secure online security. 

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