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Passwords have been great to us, but we often see the Two-factor Authentication (2FA) icon flashing on our screen whenever we create an account on social media. Technology has made us adapt to its innovations in this constantly changing world. Nevertheless, a positive aspect of technology is timeless.
What is the actual problem with the Passwords?
The use of passwords for authenticating and securing your digital accounts has not changed much over the years. But now, in an era of cybercrime, the problem with passwords is that it is too easy to lose them since people share their passwords with others. People often write them down, and it gets leaked. People save them in email, and they can get intercepted.
People are even using passwords to log into foreign servers, and communications get bugged. Passwords, most of the time, are likely to decode. And once your password gets leaked, it will no longer work as an authentication token.
Why is Two-factor Authentication (2FA) required?
Research and security specialists have continuously emphasized the need for stringent security measures for Web-based transaction enterprises. With all the advancements, it seems the old way of doing things has paved the way for something new. Two-factor authentication (2FA) mitigates all these concerns and manages an account security system in which the user must verify in two distinct ways while trying to access the account instead of just entering a password. Thus, it is a kind of multi-factor authentication — a verification security process that makes accounts more secure.
How does Two-factor Authentication (2FA) work?
Two-factor authentication (2FA) affirms your identity through two of three factors. These factors are a passcode, a key, and a fingerprint.
How to activate Two-factor Authentication (2FA) on my accounts?
For instance,
Steps to activate two-factor authentication (2FA) on Google:
- Open Google Account.
- Select security in the navigation panel.
- Click on 2-Step Verification > Get started under Signing into Google.
- Follow the on-screen steps.
- Verify it’s you after activating 2FA.
Also, if you use an account via your work, school, or another group, these steps won’t work.
Steps to activate two-factor authentication (2FA) on Facebook:
- Go to Security and Login Settings.
- Click on use two-factor authentication > Edit.
- Choose the desired security method and follow the on-screen instructions.
Now you will get flashed with three options:
- Tapping the Security Key on the device.
- Login codes from a third party.
- SMS code on the registered number.
Steps to activate two-factor authentication (2FA) on Instagram:
- Click More, then click Settings.
- Click Privacy and Security.
- Under Two-factor authentication, click Edit Two-factor authentication setting.
- Choose the desired security method and follow the on-screen instructions.
What are the Two-factor Authentication (2FA) Systems?
Two-factor authentication, also known as 2FA, requires two steps to verify a user instead of just asking for a password. 2FA enhances the status of security within a system.
There are multiple authentication options available. But we must go straight to the most secure option, which will help to secure resources and prevent unauthorized people from accessing your sensitive information. Here are the three conventional authentication factors used to verify identity.
In general, 2FA identification falls into three categories:
Knowledge-based Factors (includes things a user knows)
It comprises passwords, pins, patterns, security questions, email addresses, combinations of username passwords, and the CVV on the back of a credit card.
Possession Factors (includes things that the user owns)
It comprises authentication where a mobile phone, USB token and a card reader are required to access the account. For example – Email, SMS, and Security keys.
Inherence Factors (includes things that the user has)
This authentication type pertains to a unique physical attribute inherited by a single person. For example, Face recognition, Fingerprint Scanning, Voice Recognition and Retinal Scans.
Other forms, such as DNA, Gait, and Odour, are not used much.
These verification methods allow you to prove that you’re the real you, not an imposter seeking unauthorized access to the account.
What is the difference between 2FA and a Password?
A Password only proves your identity to log into an account, while Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) mandates extra proof of your identity to gain access to your account.
What are the potential drawbacks to Two-factor Authentication (2FA)?
As a whole, 2FA and multi-factor authentication are reliable and effective systems for blocking unauthorized access. However, it still has some drawbacks. These include:
Increased Login Time
Logging into an application involves an extra step, increasing login time.
Integration
In 2FA, third parties usually provide services or hardware. For example- SMS codes. It creates a dependency issue, as there is no means of controlling these external services, or a malfunction may occur.
Maintenance
When an efficient method for managing users and various authentication methods is not in place- maintenance of a 2FA system may be a chore.
Is Two-factor Authentication (2FA) enough?
As the technique of attacks has changed over time, from passive threats like eavesdropping and offline password guessing to encountering more active threats like phishing and Trojan horses, no matter how strong a password you choose, there is still a chance of getting hacked.
Recent developments in criminal activities have proved the most reliable and historically effective mode of authentication, such as fingerprints, to be no longer worth all the trust.
What are the real-life examples of Two-factor Authentication (2FA)?
- Attacks like man-in-the-middle, where an attacker entices a user to the fake Web site and makes any fraudulent. Did the two-factor authentication (2FA) work here? No, as the attacker directed the user to a look-alike website.
Example: Microsoft 365 became the victim of a man-in-the-middle attack.
- A Trojan Attack is where an attacker asks the user to install a Trojan on his computer and get all information via the Trojan enabling him to do fraudulent transactions. Again, the 2FA failed as the attacker relied upon the user to log in.
Example: Amazon became the victim of a trojan attack.
- Attacks like man-in-the-middle, where an attacker entices a user to the fake Web site and makes any fraudulent. Did the two-factor authentication (2FA) work here? No, as the attacker directed the user to a look-alike website.
Example: Microsoft 365 became the victim of a man-in-the-middle attack.
- A Trojan Attack is where an attacker asks the user to install a Trojan on his computer and get all information via the Trojan enabling him to do fraudulent transactions. Again, the 2FA failed as the attacker relied upon the user to log in.
Example: Amazon became the victim of a trojan attack.
Wrapping Up!
A two-factor authentication (2FA) is an effective tool, but the actual threat is identity theft. Also, impersonation has become another vital concern in IT nowadays. Two-factor authentication, in a way, has forced criminals to modify their tactics by coming up with advanced fraud tactics. Because in this era of active attacks, attackers using a man-in-the-middle attack and a Trojan have found a way to fool people in a profession where the users themselves log in with their credentials and give access to the attacker to use that information.
All this does not imply that two-factor authentication is not worth it. It does work for local login and also within some corporate networks. But it gets difficult for its application in remote authentication over the Internet.
Although many financial institutions have spent lakhs on this technology and enabled their users to use two-factor authentication (2FA) tokens, the technique has shown a significant drop in fraud as attackers prefer easy targets. But now, there is a negligible drop in fraud and identity theft. It is high time that we develop an even more effective technology and awareness to save this world from the menace of cybercrime.
Hence, we are open to any comments or suggestions you have.
Good Luck!
