Perhaps you’ve heard of the recent hacks on people’s accounts for a variety of different online services. Having a secure password still proves to be difficult for many people, perhaps for the simple reason that we access our online accounts so often that easy passwords provide convenience.
The good part about 2 step verification is that you can actually keep your simple password, though still not recommended. The process involves receiving a confirmation code, usually via SMS to your mobile device, if anyone tries to login to your account. If you don’t want to continuously be prompted for this code on your home computer, you can simply check the box to “trust this computer” and any subsequent login from that specific computer, and technically that browser, will not prompt you for the verification code. If anyone else tries to access your account from any other device, you will receive a notification with your code. If you didn’t request the code, then you know your password has been compromised and it’s recommended to immediately change your password.
Like most advancements in technology, I feel like this security enhancement is very much unknown and likely misunderstood. Security needs to be made simple for people to adopt them, and this is one example of how you can protect your online presence without too much inconvenience. On the contrary, by enabling your 2 step verification, you’re causing more of an inconvenience for the next potential hacker.
Click on the links below to learn more about 2 step verification for these providers, or check within the Settings section of your favourite online account.
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