All of us use our smartphones to play video games, chat with our peers or even complete homework. So, it means that the smartphone contains all our personal and confidential information and even banking credentials. In this regard, using such password protection as "123456" or "password" appears ridiculous – it means welcoming hackers to your home and providing them keys. There is little chance they will refuse. Fortunately, it is very easy to prevent this situation from happening. You can block them within five minutes. No special knowledge required, just follow several easy steps. What we are talking about is called Two-Factor Authentication or 2FA. Let me explain what it is and how to implement it.
To say it in simple words, Two-Factor Authentication is an additional level of security for your login process. Traditionally, you just need to enter your password. One factor. With it, the intruder gets access to all your credentials and data. However, 2FA requires a hacker to obtain additional information before accessing the account. It can be a code sent to your phone or generated by the application. Even if a hacker stole your password, he will not be able to use it since he cannot generate the code. This tool helps to prevent unauthorized access. Imagine the situation when somebody is trying to log in to your Snapchat account from an unfamiliar IP address. You get a notification on your phone. You get a code. You know that there is something wrong. You deny the access. Hacker is blocked and moves to another easier target. As you can see, this technology works extremely effectively. The process of activating this feature can seem complicated to you. However, it is not. On the contrary, it is rather intuitive since most platforms try to make users activate it since it also helps them secure their servers.
First of all, you need to choose which accounts you want to protect. Let us start with the email. Email is your key to most services and websites. In case a hacker broke into your Gmail account, he will be able to reset your password for all other services. So, it is necessary to start with securing it. Login to your Google account. Go to security settings and find "2-Step Verification". Google calls it this way. Click on it and they will ask for your phone number. Provide it and select how you would like to receive the code – in a text message or via a call. Text messages are faster thus I recommend you to use the former option. Google will send you a code. Enter it in the box. And it is done – you protected your email in less than two minutes. Now, each time you login from an unknown device, you will need to enter a code. Of course, it takes a little bit of your time but it is absolutely worth it. In case you lost your phone, do not panic. There are backup codes. After activation, you will receive a list of ten codes from Google. Write them down and store somewhere safely. Do not save them in your phone – it is counterproductive. These are emergency codes in case you are unable to access your main device.
Secondly, activate 2FA for your social media platforms. Instagram, Tiktok, Discord – all of them provide this option. The process is slightly different for each platform. For Instagram, go to your profile and tap three horizontal lines at the top right corner. Scroll down to Settings & Privacy. Tap Accounts Center. Then tap Password & Security, then Two-Factor Authentication and select which account you want to protect. There are three ways of getting codes – authentication apps, text messages or WhatsApp. The first option is recommended since it is the most secure one. Text messages can be intercepted. Apps generate new codes every thirty seconds – it is highly secure. Download any app from AppStore or Google Play. Link it to your Instagram. Scan the code they provide and enter the six-digit code they show. Done. The same story is with Discord. Open User Settings, My Account and then Enable Two-Factor Auth. It will ask for your password and then for the code from your authentication app. Enter it. Now anyone who tries to log in to your Discord account will face some difficulties since he will need the constantly changing code. Protected.
Lastly, let us talk about gaming accounts. This topic is crucial. Your Steam account library costs hundreds of dollars while your Xbox or PlayStation account contains all your achievements and purchases. So, it needs to be secured. Steam provides this option with Steam Guard. Open your Steam account and go to Settings – Account – Manage Steam Guard Account Security. Here you can get codes either by email or via Steam Mobile App. Second option is better and faster. Thus, download Steam Mobile Authenticator, link it and get the code each time you log in. Xbox uses Microsoft Authenticator App while PlayStation uses its system for 2FA. The process is pretty much the same – find security settings, enable 2FA, select the method and enter the code. Feel accomplished. You leveled up your security. It feels great, doesn't it? To know that some random person cannot just walk in and take your stuff. It is incredibly empowering. You gained control. That is what this technology is all about.
You may ask yourself whether all this effort is required. The short answer is yes. Long answer is definitely yes. Data breaches occur all the time. Large companies get hacked. Millions of passwords get leaked. In case you reuse passwords, as it usually happens, one leak gives away all your passwords and thus your accounts. 2FA is the last line of defense for you. It does not matter if your password is exposed since the hacker cannot use it without a second factor. He will give up and will look for another victim who did not take five minutes to activate it. Do not be that person. Be the person who is prepared. It is not paranoia. It is being smart. It is protecting your digital life. Would you leave your bike unprotected in a city? Then you should not leave your accounts unprotected in the Internet since the risks are higher in the latter case. Stolen bike is sad but stolen identity is disastrous. Stolen gaming account is heart-breaking. Do not let it happen to you.
Now, I understand that technical stuff may seem overwhelming sometimes. However, 2FA does not require any coding skills. Just click a button and type some digits. If you can order a pizza
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