In your business, customer data is very valuable and should be protected with more than a simple username and password. Technology now emboldens hackers to test billions of password combinations per second, exposing 90% of all passwords

Unlike the ineffective security questions such as your street name or your first pet, the second piece of information used in 2FA is exceedingly hard for hackers to obtain. The idea is to create a second factor that is unique to your customer, which is often something they possess, like a smartphone, or even something biological, like a fingerprint.

What is Two-Factor Authentication?

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an effective way to safeguard your client’s social and business accounts on your website or application. It’s an extra layer of protection that combines passwords with a second factor, like a one-time passcode or push notification sent directly to your customer’s phone whenever they try to sign up or log in.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is basically a second identity check that ensures it is really your customer and keeps their accounts and services safe from hackers. It acts as a sort of the second password when logging into your websites.

We know it’s hard for customers to remember passwords that have a lot of special characters and numbers as required by your websites and applications. A  lot of people use the same passwords repeatedly. 

That’s why it’s important to use two-factor authentication for any system that would require them to enter their credit card or personal details.

How does 2FA work? 

There is a high chance your customers know what 2FA means and they have used it on other websites. 2FA processes usually involve the same steps, and knowing their data is safe with you would make a lot of difference:

  • Once they get on your website, they type in their username and password. Your server finds a match and confirms the user.
  • A dialogue box comes up for the user to initiate the second login step, and although this step can take a number of forms, the user needs to prove that they have something only they would have, like  biometrics, a physical token or a smartphone. 
  • Once they can provide both factors, they are confirmed and granted access to their account on your application or website.

Why does it matter?

Similar passwords are now used on different accounts which makes them very weak, and even the most complex ones don’t automatically protect against cyber attacks. Two-factor authentication needs two different keys to log your customers in, significantly decreasing the risk of account takeovers.

Using the 2FA process can avoid identity theft, as well as phishing via email because hackers would need more than  names and passwords to gain access.

It involves your customers in the process of having their accounts in secure conditions where users are knowledgeable partakers in their own digital security and safety. In practical terms, when a 2FA notification comes to a customer, they have to answer the question: “Was that me who initiated that, or is another person attempting to access my account?” This emphasizes the importance of security with each transaction. 2FA creates a partnership between the administrator and users and involves them as collaborators.

Three types of 2FA

While text messages are the most popular form of 2FA used today, there are other types that are also secure. Let’s take a look at each one:

  • Text messages 

After the user enters their password, you can send a text message to your customer with a one-time code. They must enter it on the website within a fixed period of time to complete the login process. 

  • App-based codes 

Your customers can use apps such as Google Authenticator to punch in codes. The app generates random keys that change every 30 seconds in order to keep your users’ accounts secure and it is available on both Android and iOS. Authentication apps work with multiple websites.

  • Physical keys 

Physical keys are the gold standard for 2FA. A physical key is a small device that plugs into a computer or connects wirelessly to a phone. When you enter your password, the site will ask you to touch your key or press a button on it, depending on the type, and they can be used on multiple websites.

Why should you use 2FA for your business?

It is essential to not rely on a single method for comprehensive protection for your clients. So, it seems apparent that you should implement 2FA to  protect your company’s most important asset. Here are a few things to consider: 

  • 2FA is very convenient and takes seconds to set up
  • Passwords are not as secure as they used to be not too long ago
  • More and more businesses are utilizing 2FA and you don’t want to be left behind
  • It works everywhere and is compatible with all devices
  • It is a cost-effective way of protecting your customers’ data.

There are a lot of 2FA solutions on the market, but the approach and the technology they use can vary, and you can reach out to omnichannel communication platform for two-factor authentication services providing reliable protection for your users. 

We offer one-time passwords that are sent via SMS. It is extra security for your users’ accounts and another way for them to confirm their identity. With this solution, you will increase the safety of user data on websites and applications, preventing hacking and information theft. BSG also provides a bulk SMS service that businesses can use to send SMS to mobile.

Also Read: Make Your Website Into A Progressive Web Application