What is Two-Factor Authentication?
Nowadays, any personal information you need can be stored directly on your phone. Your passwords, credit card information, address, boarding ticket, etc. are all right at your fingertips on your mobile device. Unfortunately, the potential of hacking and phone theft has therefore increased, and the odds of having your information stolen are much higher than they used to be.
While we’re here to help you track your friends and family’s devices through MobileKeep, we’re also here to educate you on additional security precautions you can take. In addition to changing your passwords regularly, two-factor authentication should be implemented whenever possible.
What is two-factor authentication?
Two-factor authentication is that extra layer of security that verifies that you, in fact, are the established user. Many platforms like Instagram and Gmail have already implemented this, and more and more companies are rolling out the feature as we speak. There are different ways you can verify yourself, for example receiving a custom code through text message, using your fingerprint to log in, using a third party app such as Authenticator, and even the new face ID feature. Yes, this does mean logging in to your email and social media accounts might take a bit longer than usual, but you’ll know your data is safe and protected.
Which services offer two-factor authentication?
Two-factor authentication is already included but not limited to the list below. If you’d like to check if a platform you use has enabled two-factor authentication, enter their name in the search here.
- Apple (iCloud and other services)
- Google (Gmail and other services)
- Microsoft Office 365
- Outlook
- Yahoo!
- PayPal
- Dropbox
- WordPress
- SnapChat
- YouTube
- Tumblr
- Most major banks
- Venmo
Our hope is that you’ll never have to worry about this happening in the first place. However, it is important to take the necessary precautions, like two-factor authentication, just in case!