Multifactor authentication provides another layer of security for online accounts. The first “factor” for an account is usually a password, and any additional authentication step makes it harder for a hacker to access your account. Common multifactor authentication offerings are codes sent via text or email, dedicated authenticator apps like Duo, and fingerprint or facial scanning.
Enabling Multi-factor Authentication
As time goes on, more websites and applications will offer multi-factor authentication, but it might not be turned on by default. Here are some guides on how to enable it for popular services:
- Google: Turn on 2-Step Verification – Android – Google Account Help
- Microsoft: How to use two-step verification with your Microsoft account – Microsoft Support
- Apple: Two-factor authentication for Apple Account – Apple Support
- Instagram: Securing your Instagram account with two-factor authentication | Instagram Help Center
- WhatsApp: About two-step verification | WhatsApp Help Center
- Facebook: How two-factor authentication works on Facebook | Facebook Help Center
- PayPal: What is 2-step verification and how do I turn it on or off? | PayPal NZ
- Amazon: What is Two-Step Verification? – Amazon Customer Service
Further Reading
Authentication | Office of Information Security | Washington University in St. Louis (wustl.edu)