Traveloka Team
20 Feb 2024 - 4 min read
In the increasingly sophisticated digital era, our presence in the online world is becoming more significant. However, alongside technological advancements, new challenges related to online security emerge. The internet is not just a space for information and social interaction but also a breeding ground for potential security threats.
One effective measure to protect your online accounts is by utilising Two Factor Authentication (2FA). By amalgamating a password with an additional authentication factor, such as a code sent via mobile phone, 2FA can provide an additional security layer that thwarts unauthorised access. Let's explore why 2FA has become our primary line of defence online.
Two factor authentication is a specific type of multi-factor authentication (MFA) that enhances access security by requiring two methods (also known as authentication factors) to verify your identity. These factors can include something you know—like a username and password—plus something you possess—like an app on your smartphone—to approve the authentication request.
2FA protects you from phishing attacks, social engineering, and password breach attempts while also keeping your login safe from attackers exploiting weak or stolen credentials.
Two factor authentication serves as the primary fortress in the zero-trust security model, providing essential protection against online security threats. The significance of 2FA lies in its ability to ensure that users accessing sensitive data are genuinely authenticated individuals.
By requiring two verification methods, such as a password and an additional authentication factor like push notifications on a smartphone, 2FA protects against phishing attacks, password breach attempts, and credential exploitation.
This additional security is particularly relevant as it addresses the risk of unauthorised access if both primary and secondary authentication information is transmitted through the same channel.
Integrating 2FA into applications ensures that attackers cannot access accounts without possessing the user's physical device. By demanding something known (a PIN or password) and something possessed (a smartphone), 2FA effectively validates the user's identity. Thus, 2FA stands as an essential security step that not only ensures user authenticity but also protects personal and corporate information from the rampant risks of cyber threats.
There are several types of Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) that can be implemented, each with its uniqueness and benefits:
The four types of two factor authentication to be utilised—SMS 2FA, TOTP 2FA, Push-Based 2FA, and WebAuthn—offer unique approaches to bolstering online security. SMS 2FA provides speed and convenience by sending a confirmation code via text, while TOTP 2FA offers flexibility with locally generated codes on the user's device.
Push-Based 2FA strengthens security through push notifications, replacing access codes and providing detailed information about login attempts. Meanwhile, WebAuthn introduces convenience by integrating web authentication, utilising factors such as biometrics or security keys.
By understanding the strengths and limitations of each, users can choose a combination of 2FA types that best suits their security needs and preferences. Combining SMS 2FA for accessibility, TOTP 2FA for flexibility, Push-Based 2FA for high security, and WebAuthn for convenience can create a solid and integrated defence layer to protect their online accounts.
The importance of two factor authentication is increasing as companies, governments, and the public realise that relying solely on passwords is not secure enough in today's technological context. The fact that the average cost of data breaches has exceeded two trillion dollars per year further emphasises the urgency of additional security. Two factor authentication can provide comprehensive protection against various threats. The most common threats include:
Conventional passwords can be misused by anyone who obtains them, and 2FA ensures user validation with an additional device after entering the password.
Hackers often send emails with links to malicious websites to compromise users' computers or request them to enter passwords. 2FA combats phishing by adding a second validation layer after users enter their passwords.
Hackers frequently manipulate users into providing their passwords. 2FA protects by validating the location and IP address on each login attempt after the user enters the password.
In brute-force attacks, hackers randomly attempt to create passwords for a specific computer until they find the correct sequence. The second protective layer of 2FA requires validation on each login attempt before granting access.
In conclusion, Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) stands as a crucial security layer in protecting online accounts from various threats. By combining authentication methods such as SMS 2FA, TOTP 2FA, Push-Based 2FA, and WebAuthn, users can create a strong defence against stolen passwords, phishing attempts, social engineering, and brute-force attacks. The security provided by 2FA ensures that users' identities remain protected in a risky digital world.
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