What is two-factor authentication? Easily explained

Especially if sensitive data is protected, you should rely on two-factor authentication. In this article, we will tell you what that actually is and how the technology works.

Two-factor authentication - what is it?

• Again and again it happens that even large companies like Apple, Amazon, Microsoft or Google are hacked. More and more services are introducing the additional security level so that your data is protected against access by third parties.
• With two-factor authentication, your account is not only secured by your user name or e-mail and by the associated password, but by another query. This differs from provider to provider.
• The additional security level usually consists of querying an additional password that only generates a login for this one. Depending on the company, you will receive the code via the associated app, an alternative program or by SMS.
• The two-factor authentication makes your account much more secure. If hackers manage to get your login data, they also need your smartphone to get the code.

Two-factor authentication: when does it make sense?

• Two-factor authentication is secure, but it can be quite exhausting if you log in frequently. If you use the iCloud on your iPhone, for example, the additional security level can pay off, since every attacker could tap very sensitive data such as photos with your email address and password.
• However, if you have not left any personal data with a service, two-factor authentication is not really necessary. Below you will find suitable instructions for setting up two-factor authentication with Apple, Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Twitter and Dropbox.

In the next practical tip, we will also show you how to protect your WLAN network from hackers.