Today, one simple piece of advice any IT expert can give you is to use two-factor authentication (2FA) for logging into your accounts. With the evolving cyber threats today, 2FA could be the one thing to prevent hackers from stealing your data.
For companies heeding this advice, the issue is keeping shared 2FA codes secure. There are effective solutions now that can help entrepreneurs keep their passwords safe. Read on to discover how 2FA codes work and which 2FA sharing tool is the best for your business.
What is 2FA?
Two-factor authentication is a process designed to add a layer of security to your accounts online. This procedure is also known as two-step verification or multi-factor authentication.
Some well-known platforms that offer this service include Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, Instagram, and Twitter.
Two-factor authentication protects you from hackers by requiring you to enter two secure keys. These are your account password, and another code sent through a text or an authentication tool.
With 2FA, hackers need to get your password and your second authorization code to access your account.
2FA Sharing Tools
Two-factor authenticator apps may be the finest security choice for securing your company’s login processes. But note that not all these tools can provide the most secure 2FA-sharing service.
Email- and SMS-Based Sharing
Email- and text-based 2FA is probably the simplest way to add another security factor to your accounts. After you sign in, you will receive a text or an email with an authentication code. You need to enter the unique code on the website you are using to access your account.
Unfortunately, this simple process comes with a lot of cybersecurity risks. According to Okta, a UK-based IT service management company, these are the things you should be careful of when using email or text-based authentication:
- SIM swapping: Hackers can contact a phone company and request a number to be transferred to another phone. They can get the second code sent to their phones this way
- Lost and synced devices: A laptop has a 1-in-10 chance of being stolen. If you are logged in to your email account on your phone and laptop, hackers can steal your device to get your second code.
- SIM hacking: Hackers can hack your phone and read your messages.
- Online account takeover: Wireless service providers can allow users to view text messages through online accounts on their web portals. If these accounts aren’t secure, hackers can monitor them for authentication codes.
Daito.io
Daito.io is a 2FA authentication service that manages 2FA tokens for its users. It offers a fully isolated system that is separate from your password manager.
Keeping your 2FA token management system separate from your passwords can help prevent worst-case scenarios.
With Daito, even if your password manager becomes compromised, you are sure that your usernames, passwords, 2FA tokens, and 2FA seeds are still secure.
Daito allows you to share 2FA tokens with your staff quickly and safely. It also limits access to generated 2FA tokens, not the seed codes. This feature helps prevent 2FA seed leakage.
You can access the authentication service from any browser and any operating system.
Authy
Authy is a security program that receives authorization codes from websites that offer 2FA services. You get the codes from Authy to verify your account logins.
Authy is also available on various platforms, including iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android. It features biometric and PIN protection and a secure cloud backup option.
The backup feature makes it easier to use the program on different devices. It also makes token restoration easier if you lose or replace your phone.
The program includes other helpful services, including device syncing, offline support, and compatibility for the most well-known websites and account types.
Onetimesecret
One-Time Secret is a solution for sharing passwords and other highly sensitive messages. Instead of sending an authorization code over email, text, or other messaging apps, you can use One-Time Secret. You can use the site to send a link and a password to open the secret message.
When the recipient clicks the link, they need to use the password to see the code on their screen. You can only use the link once, and the sender can set a time limit for the message to self-destruct. The more sensitive the message, the sooner the link expires.
For example, you need to share your company’s bank account credentials with another employee. You can create a One-Time Secret message with the sensitive information inside it and then get a one-time password. Then, because the message has sensitive data, you can set it to self-destruct in one hour.
You can then share the One-Time Secret link to the recipient, who has to open the link before it expires. They need to enter the password that comes with the link to open the message’s contents.
After the recipient closes the browser, the message is automatically destroyed.
Protect 2FA Codes with Sharing Tools
A two-step verification tool is an essential app to keep your accounts, files, conversations, and data safe. With these tools, your data remains secure even if a hacker gets their hands on your username and password. All you have to do now is choose the one that’s most ideal for your business’s needs
