You shouldn’t turn off your Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) because it removes the extra layer of security it adds to your account, making it easier for cybercriminals to compromise it. Keep on reading to learn why 2FA should be left enabled for your online accounts and why it should be added to your accounts if it isn’t already.
What is 2FA?
2FA stands for two-factor authentication and is a second authentication method that is used after a username and password for an account is entered correctly. It acts as a second layer of security since it further verifies the identity of the person the account belongs to.
2FA differentiates from Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) in that MFA requires two or more authentication methods, whereas 2FA refers to only using one additional authentication method. Despite this difference, 2FA and MFA are often used interchangeably. Common authentication methods for 2FA and MFA include:
- Authenticator apps
- Email and text codes
- Biometric authentication (e.g. Face ID)
- Security questions
- Physical security key
What Happens When 2FA is Disabled?
When 2FA is disabled from an account, all that is needed to access the account is the username and password – further authentication is no longer required to successfully log in. It’s important to understand that when 2FA is disabled, it becomes easier for a cybercriminal to use a phishing technique, password cracking technique or successfully guess your password to compromise your account.
Common Reasons People Want to Disable 2FA With Solutions
There are several reasons why someone would want to disable their 2FA, however, it is not recommended to do so. Here are a few reasons why people disable their 2FA.
Difficult for users
For those who are just getting started with implementing 2FA on their accounts, the process can be difficult to get used to. According to Keeper’s 2022 US Password Practices Report, one in six respondents have implemented and used a second step to secure their accounts, but reported that they found it difficult to use. Additionally, 20% of respondents never implemented a second step because they worried that the process would be too difficult for them.
Solution: Just like anything that seems difficult at first, practice makes perfect. Once 2FA is enabled and you’ve gotten used to the process, it becomes easier to use. The longer you have 2FA enabled, the more of a pro you’ll become at using it to log into your accounts.
Increased time it takes to log in
Along with finding it difficult, some users may want to disable their 2FA because it can increase the time it takes to log into their accounts. With all the accounts people now have, they want the most seamless and fast experience and with 2FA an additional step is added – increasing the login process.
Solution: One way to decrease the time it takes to get into your accounts with 2FA is by using a physical security key as an authentication method. All you’ll have to do is plug the security key into your computer or phone’s port and just like that your identity is verified. This method is a great option for 2FA because it also prevents your second authentication factor from being intercepted by a cybercriminal.
Inconvenience
For many, an additional step can also be inconvenient. For example, if someone wanted to check their bank account quickly but has 2FA enabled, they would first have to enter their username and password, then verify who they are before they can successfully log in. The 2FA, especially when it’s not a form of biometric authentication, can be seen as an inconvenience to the user.
Solution: One way to make 2FA less of an inconvenience is by using a password manager. A password manager aids in storing, generating and managing your passwords and also automatically autofills logins so you don’t have to manually input them yourself. One added feature of Keeper Password Manager is it’ll also store your 2FA codes and autofill them when logging in via the Web Vault or browser extension. Take a look at the video below to see how it works.
Don’t see why or how 2FA is necessary
For those who don’t know what 2FA is or what it’s used for, it’s easy to skim over the fact that it keeps their accounts exponentially more secure than if they don’t utilize it. Because of not knowing the additional security that 2FA provides, they’ll choose to disable it without second guessing themselves – making it easier for their accounts to become compromised.
Solution: Learn! Learning about 2FA and MFA is a great way to understand how these security measures can help you keep your accounts more secure. Don’t just disable your 2FA because you think it’s useless, learn about what it is and how it can benefit you.
The Importance of Enabling 2FA on Your Accounts
Here are a few reasons why enabling and keeping your accounts enabled with 2FA is important.
Adds a second layer of security
With only a username and password, it only takes one password attack or breach to place your account at risk. However, with 2FA enabled, you’re given an additional layer to secure your account. You may even consider adding more than one authentication method by implementing MFA on your accounts, which provides the option to add even more security layers to protect you and your sensitive data. An eye-opening stat from Microsoft revealed MFA can block over 99.9 percent of account compromise attacks because of the extra layers of security it adds.
Reduce password security risks
Reusing passwords across multiple accounts has become an extremely common password habit for many. When duplicate passwords are used, it makes it easy for cybercriminals to compromise accounts; but with 2FA enabled, the cybercriminal will have to authenticate who they are before being able to log in.
Despite the extra layer of security that 2FA adds, it’s still crucial that you practice good password hygiene by creating passwords that are strong and unique. With good password hygiene and 2FA enabled on your accounts, it becomes almost impossible for a cybercriminal to compromise and steal your data. Don’t forget to also securely store your passwords in a password manager like Keeper, so you never forget them.
Think Twice Before Turning Off Your 2FA
Before you decide to turn off 2FA, think about the risks that come along with doing so. When it comes to 2FA, security outweighs inconvenience – so keep that top of mind before disabling 2FA on any of your accounts.
Don’t turn off your 2FA due to inconvenience – get Keeper Password Manager and make logging into your accounts a seamless process with 2FA storage and auto-filling capabilities.
