The Future of Data Protection | 2-Factor Authentication

2 Factor Authentication

The Future of Data Protection

Not just financial institutions, but even individuals are facing threats of fraud and scams. There are multiple imposters out in the market trying to access the logins of other people. Criminals leave no business unattended, whether it is a freelancing platform, bank, or just a social media platform. Their tactics cause upheaval within the technological world.

The Future of Data Protection

Although cybersecurity systems invest millions of dollars to help businesses protect their workplace, many loopholes still need to be covered. Hence, many organizations are now adopting 2-factor authentication as an enhanced security system and are regarded as the future of data protection.

Security Threat Buster

Security Threat Buster

Careless digital practices have paved the way for fraudsters to access accounts of multiple banks, social media accounts, freelancing platforms, and many more. These platforms have sensitive details of customers and clients that shouldn’t be accessible by fraudsters. But due to careless practices, such as opening links that shouldn’t be clicked and not paying attention to installing security systems.

Other than these practices, digital platforms do not have an added security protocol that is strong enough to bust scammers out of the system. These platforms usually ask simple questions such as “your pet name,” “the name of your best friend,” or “your childhood school name,” which can easily be guessed by scanning the social media site of the customer.

Therefore, to combat such threats, experts came up with a security feature known as 2-factor authentication. It is designed to enhance the security of the accounts.

But what is 2-factor authentication, and how does it work? Well, let’s have a brief look.

The What’s and How’s

The What’s and How’s

2-factor authentication is authenticating the user through a unique code. When users log in to their account, they are asked to provide a memorable password known just by the user. After the password has been verified, the user is directed to provide a code sent to their mobile phones, or their emails, or through authenticator applications. Upon delivering this code that may expire within 30 seconds to 24 hours, the user is authenticated depending on the vulnerability.

Another benefit of two-factor authentication is that it provides clients to choose the code they want their customers to dial in. The dual authentication solution provides businesses with extreme protected security to prevent the chances of identity thefts, data breaches, and scams through weak and stolen passwords.

Why 2-factor Authentication?

Why 2-factor Authentication

2-factor authentication is the risk management of identity thefts and frauds in the digital world. The technological advancements in the digital world are skyrocketing at a bewildering speed due to entrant Millenials and Gnz’s who do everything from socializing to shopping on the web, which enforces the threat of data breaches and privileges.

To combat the rising threats, enhanced and added security must be adopted. Other than incorporating such technologies, it is essential to adopt such practices that do not allow scams such as phishing and spam such as phishing and spam to happen.

Although many companies have adopted 2FA, many businesses still need to inaugurate it within their entities. All business entities must acquire such security to stop criminals from accessing their sensitive information and their clients. Mainly because they should value their customers and their privacy first and secondly due to hefty fines and sanctions businesses have to go through when they are involved in security breaches.

Customers do not see whether the company that went through a security breach was at fault or not; they assume that the company is not compatible and reliable enough. This eventually plummets the business reputation causing them to lose clients as well as finances.

Overcoming Phishing Attacks 

Overcoming Phishing Attacks 

A phishing attack is the illegal access of sensitive details of the user, such as their PINs, passwords, login details, and more. The access is gained by sending phishing emails to customers either from the official website, such as a bank website, or some other websites pretending to be from the official websites. The email contains a link that directs the customer to their phished website claiming to be the officials. They ask the customer to log in through their details, and when the customer does it, their details are sent to the criminals.

But with the use of 2-factor authentication, users can protect their accounts even after their passwords have been compromised. After password verification, the user is sent a unique code only available through authenticator applications or SMS to provide advanced security.

Conclusion

2-factor authentication is protection from multiple digital attacks such as compromised passwords. Additionally, businesses can easily comply with KYC regulations, which direct all companies to protect users’ financial accounts as a security protocol. Furthermore, criminals can be busted when they try to access the social media accounts of other people to access their chats and use them to blackmail.

By Faizan Elahi Qureshi

Student of Digital Marketing.