Turn Yourself On: Multi-Factor Authentication

The days of feeling safe with changing your password regularly are so 2014.  If you haven’t started using two-factor (2FA) or multi-factor authentication for your devices, then consider yourself the proverbial sitting duck.  These days, hacking techniques, phishing emails and man-in-the-middle attacks are so sophisticated that the chances of revealing your password to a third party are almost a certainty.

Multi-factor authentication requires another form of identification before logging into a service or machine.  This may include sending a code to a trusted mobile number, using an external app/fob or personal biometrics (especially critical in the health industry).

Larger companies such as Apple actively encourage 2FA in order to help protect their customers and infrastructure.  Some experts even think that two steps aren’t enough, requiring us to keep up-to-date with the latest threats and protection methods actively.

How do I protect myself?

Let’s face it, taking steps to set up and use two-factor authentication can sometimes feel more like a chore than necessary protection.  The Australian Government have created a one-stop website to make this process easier, publishing guides on how to set it up with popular services.  Contact us to learn how to turn on 2FA.