While using two-factor authentication provides extra security for your logins, it also means having to carry out an additional step – initially, at least.

The latter method assigns unique public and private keys to each web service, and only the USB key you used to set up the 2FA will log you in. The process varies slightly for each site, and you can either use your mobile phone (a code will be sent to you) or plug a FIDO U2F (Fast Identity Online – Universal 2nd Factor) USB security key into your computer. As we explained in the last issue, it’s worth setting up 2FA on each of those sites because they are likely to be the gateways to your most important personal data. Most major websites – including Gmail, Facebook, and Twitter – offer 2FA. These devices act as a hardware token: you stick your bank card into the reader (something you own) and enter the PIN (something you know) – thus authenticating your details in two ways. Some banks have been using customer card readers for over a decade. So, to log into a website, you would have to type a password (something you know), then enter a code sent to your smartphone (something you own).ĢFA isn’t new and you’re likely to be familiar with it if you use internet banking. The ‘something you know’ element of a username and password is coupled with a physical item – ‘something you own’ – such as a mobile phone or a USB key. The strength of two-factor authentication (2FA for short) is that knowing (or guessing) login details isn’t enough to access an account. 2 Best Way to Use Google Authenticator on a Windows 10 PC Two-factor authentication:.

Windows google authenticator