How to make your data more secure from cyber attacks? Two-step verification, also called two-factor authentication, is another barrier to thwart cyber criminals, whether you are an individual and especially a Company, we recommend it!
We want to help you activate it, so we will walk you through it step by step.
What is two-step verification?
Two-step verification protects your account during login operations from unauthorized access. Attackers, even if they know your password will not be able to continue the procedure, because after the password they will need the passcode sent to your device, for example, if you choose this solution.
We want to remind you that there are habits that continually jeopardize the security of our passwords: remember not to use the same password for more than one site, don't download unprotected software from the Internet, and don't click on suspicious links you receive by email.
These seem obvious aspects, but we prefer to reiterate them. Because if a hacker gains access to your account, they could check emails, sensitive data, documents, spreadsheets and more, pose as you by sending unsolicited emails or use your account to reset other passwords.
How to enable two-step verification?
Two-step verification checks your identity via your password and something in your possession, a code on your phone via SMS, phone call, or the Mobile App depending on your preference. Alternatively, if you have a security token, you can insert it into your computer's USB port.
A hacker might be able to steal or guess the password, but he cannot reproduce something that only you possess! Let's take a step-by-step look at how two-factor authentication or two-step verification works.
To enable two-step verification log into your Google account (https://myaccount.google.com/) and select in the navigation pane on the left, the Security item. In the Google login pane, click Two-step verification, then click Start and follow the prompts.
For the two-step verification code you can use:
- Google Messages
- Security Tokens
- Codes via SMS or call
- Backup Codes
- Codes from the Authenticator app
- Backup Phone Number
Please note that you can configure an alternate second pass to be able to log in even if the other options for the second pass are not available.
During login you can choose to stop using two-pass verification on a specific computer, an option you can revoke at any time. From then on, you will only be asked for your password when you log in from that computer.
