These days everything is online and password security may not be enough to prevent data from getting in the hands of hackers. Luckily, Two-Factor authentication can add an additional layer of security to the standard password approach.
As tech improves, experts continue to develop new forms of 2FA for better security, some even involving powerful encryption and Multi-Factor Authentication. To help you understand which of these technologies you need at your org, let’s look at the five most effective forms of two-factor authentication.
5 Forms of Two-Factor Authentication
OTP
OTP (One Time Password) is a reliable two-factor authentication method used to enhance data security. With OTP, a user receives a 4–6-digit code via text message or email whenever they try to access an account or data. This method is commonly used by banks or payment applications during the transaction process.
Security Tokens
In multi-factor authentication, tokens include virtual tokens, wireless tokens, and phone tokens. These advanced tokens enable a user to communicate with an authentication website and prevent MITM (Man-in-the-Middle Attack), wherein data is stolen as it moves between two systems, such as a smartphone and a wi-fi router. These tokens ensure that the recipient of the data can prove that it’s authorized to access it.
App-Generated Codes
App-Generated codes work like the OTP authentication method. However, it shares security codes during the sign-in process with the previously signed-in device. Whenever a user tries to log in, they must enter a code generated by the application to proceed further. Even if a hacker can breach password security, they cannot access the data without an app-generated code.
UPI Pin
UPI Pin is simple but adds a secure layer with password security. Every UPI application like Google Pay allows a user to set two different passwords. A hacker may be able to guess a primary password, but they cannot make financial transactions without a UPI pin. If a user adopts this 2FA mode, they should never use the same password and UPI pin.
Digital Signature
A digital signature is another advanced form of two-factor authentication. In this, a user requires a digital signature as a secondary mode of authentication to access data. The website with this method uses PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) systems to analyze the accuracy. If the signature does not match, the user will have no access to the data.
Conclusion
Multi-Factor authentication provides a wall of security to prevent data breach. Even if a hacker can guess a password, they won’t be able to access data without a second piece of information. These days, MFA should be a standard part of your security best practices.
Are you looking to amp up security across the board? Visit this page to explore data protection solutions by Datalocker.