Small biz tip: How to set up an authenticator to protect your work accounts
Your business accounts have tons of private data you don’t want hackers to see. Although two-step verification (2FA) keeps hackers out, you can’t rely on texts to prove your identity. Hackers can intercept your messages.
Want to take security a step further? Use authenticator apps to secure your business. They create unique, time-sensitive codes you can immediately use to verify who you are and protect your accounts.
Apps like Microsoft Authenticator and Google Authenticator are more secure than 2FA texts. They’re free and highly effective against hackers. Use this guide to set up each tool on your iPhone or Android phone.
Here’s why you should use an authenticator app
Every 30 seconds, an authenticator app generates a one-time passcode you can use to sign in. But be quick. The code will expire in half a minute. Compare that to a text code, which gives hackers an extended time window to break into your account.
Plus, you don’t have to enter a phone number to set up an authenticator app. It’s unique to your device.
When you log into an account using 2FA with an authenticator app instead of a text, a unique code will be generated on the app. This is more secure than a text because the code can’t be intercepted. Tap or click for our guide to authenticator apps.
Which is better: Microsoft Authenticator vs. Google Authenticator? It all depends on what you’re looking for.
How to set up Microsoft Authenticator on an iPhone or Android
If you’re comfortable with Windows and Microsoft products, you may prefer this app. It secures Chrome, Gmail, GitHub, YouTube and other important accounts. As a bonus, it has a built-in password manager, which helps you access your accounts with one tap.
First, download the free app for your phone. It’s available for iOS and Android.
This dangerous malware can steal 2FA codes to break into your accounts
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is one of the most robust security measures you can utilize. Essentially, it creates an added layer of protection where you must verify your identity a second way, along with your credentials.
Use Google? 5 new ways to secure your account
I found a few fun facts from a recent Digital Shadows report interesting. Some 15 billion stolen account passwords from over 100,000 data breaches are available on the web. Passwords sell for around $15 each. Bank and financial account credentials cost much more, as you might expect, at $70.
SIM swap fraud: Protect yourself from this dangerous attack
Do you know what a SIM card is? It’s that little chip inside your smartphone to identify you within the cell network that assigns your phone number. It’s something you never think about unless something goes wrong with your phone.