Saturday 13 January 2018

2 Factor Authentication Is Must For A Strong Online Security

Hello friends, we welcome you to our online content platform HkGoodkH. Our aim is to provide you good information on digital security. Online safety is vital to enjoying the best of what the internet has to offer.

Last time, we discussed one of the 2 backbones of online security known as OTP. Today, we are going to discuss the second backbone. It is 2 Factor Authentication or 2FA, also called 2 step verification - a very important aspect of security.

What Is 2 FA

Friends, 2 FA simply means to log in to your online account, you require 2 things. First is something you know, guess what, yes we are talking about the password. Second would be something you have, for example, your phone or a security key. Now, this 'something you have' is what defines 2 Factor Authentication.

Why You Need 2 FA

Well, friends, 2 FA adds one more security layer to your account. Even if the hacker somehow manages to crack your password layer, it would be next to impossible to get access to the account. 2 FA stands for a very strong security. Hence, you must enable it.

How To Enable 2 FA

  • Friends, for this, go into settings of your online account.
  • After that, you could easily find the 2 step verification option. 
  • Typically, all trusted sites such as Gmail require you to enter your password.
  • Then to enable 2FA, you would be asked to enter your mobile number.
  • Based on your preference, OTP would be sent either through SMS or voice call to this number for its verification
  • Enter the number, submit the OTP in the website and you are done.

Congratulations!!! you have successfully enabled 2 Factor Authentication.

Alternative Options Of 2 Factor Authentications

Friends, most of the trusted and popular websites provide plenty of alternative options to set up 2 step verification. If due to some technical glitch, there is delay or failure in receiving OTP either through text or call, the alternatives could turn boon for you. HkGoodkH highly recommends to set up these options to enjoy instant and secure access to your online account.

Let’s have a look at these options.

OTP From Authentication App

Highly secure, highly popular and the ability to generate OTP even offline is what makes Authentication app such a powerful security tool. No need to wait for OTP arrival. Simply install this app and you are done. Plus a host of services such as Twitter, Facebook, and Password Managers support it.


One Time Back Up Code In Absence Of Device

"Oh, I lost my phone. Oh God, now how can I login!!!?”. Well, friends, if you fear you might come across such a situation, do not worry. We have good news - One Time Back-up Code. Simply go to your account settings and set it up. One time codes would be automatically generated. You could either take a printout of these codes or store them safely as per your liking. Now the next time you travel without your phone, you could sign in with a big smile.


Back Up Phone Alternative

If you ever wondered how to sign-in in case you ever lose your phone, simply enable this option. Just add a recovery backup phone.

Prompt Sign In Notification

If you enable this option, you would receive a prompt on your device. To log in, just tap on the YES option.


Get A Security Key

Yes, friends, trusted ones such as Google provide a security key as an alternative option. It is a small size physical device. You could use it to log in to your account. This device can be easily plugged into the USB port of the computer. So you can try this option.

Directly Connect To The Customer Service

You can also call the customer support to get access to your online account if you upgrade to pro. If you have created a free account, first check the website to make sure the customer service supports the freebies. 

So, friends, that is all we have for this post. How was it? Do let us know your feedback by filling out the comment box.

And make sure to enable 2 Factor Authentication for all your online accounts. After all, your account deserves the best online protection. Isn't it! 

OTP Is The Backbone Of A Strong Online Security

Friends, thanks for visiting our online content platform HkGoodkH. You truly are our asset. With your support, we get more and more motivation to keep producing great content. Your feedback is always welcome. So do comment. 

Ok friends, today's topic is very vital to online security. You can simply say: it is one of the 2 backbones of your digital security. In fact, HkGoodkH would go one step ahead to state that foolproof security of your accounts and online payment would be an elusive dream in its absence. 

Oh! by now, you must be very curious to know about the security gem. Well, wait no further. 

We are talking about the OTP or one-time password. The same OTP along with the 2 Factor Authentication is considered by HkGoodkH as the backbone of online security. 

That is why HkGoodkH always recommends in the posts and tweets 'Never to share your OTP' and 'Turn On 2 Factor Authentication'. Let's dive into the depth of OTP. 


What Is OTP

OTP is simply a one-time password, you receive on your registered digital devices such as mobile phones. After receiving, you have to enter it for verification in the website OTP box. One time means it can be used only once for a transaction or login session. After that, it expires and becomes invalid. Time is also an important factor in deciding the OTP expiry. If OTP is time-based and you enter it after the expiry, the OTP won't work. Then, you have to request a new one. 

So, friends, OTP is a form of 'dynamic password'.The common password you create is 'static'. 

OTP is also a 2-factor authentication.

Benefits Of OTP

Friends the fact - 'the OTP is one time, has expiry tag and is dynamic password' - makes it a very solid security feature in itself. It is very difficult for a hacker to access OTP. Even if we assume: he has somehow gained access to it, we can safely say by the time he uses the OTP, it becomes invalid. So unless you reveal your OTP, it is next to impossible for a hacker to get access to it. Now you know why HkGoodKh says - never to share OTP.

From the security point of view what makes the OTP standout is the fact it may turn out to be a ' standalone lifesaver of your account '.If a hacker manages to get hold of your account information like login id and password, there is nothing he can do. Why? Because only you know the OTP sent to your device. So all the hard work of the hacker fails and he would be left scratching his head. 

So, friends, you are all safe whether you do online payment or access your online accounts.

Receiving OTP is a smooth process. If you do not receive OTP instantly, you can wait for few seconds or request for a new one.

Also, most trusted service providers such as Google have developed their own authentication app. The best thing about such apps is these generate offline OTP codes. We highly recommend you download the apps. These are highly secure. Plus, you do not have to wait for the OTP if during the process, occurs some delay due to a technical glitch.

But friends to enjoy all these benefits of OTP, you must first turn on 2-factor authentication. After that, register your device and mobile number to receive OTP and to download the OTP authentication app.

OTP would secure you for sure despite a weak level password. But do create a strong password to maintain the highest security standards. So friends, today we have provided some more good online tips on OTP. Go and apply these tips now. Thank you!