How To Set Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) On Your Accounts

Written by: Jay H.

Online security is more important now than ever. We are becoming more and more reliant on technology and the Internet for both our business and personal lives. Unfortunately, this dependence on technology gives hackers more reason to target our online accounts. One way to protect your online accounts is to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to require additional verification to log into your accounts. Let’s go over how to set up 2FA on your online accounts.

What Is 2FA?

Two-factor authentication (2FA) significantly bolsters your account’s security by requiring additional verification beyond your username and password.

Although the methods of two-factor authentication vary, usually, the process for verifying your identity follows this basic framework:

1. The user logs into the website or service with their username and password.
2. Once the credentials are verified, additional verification is sent to the second-factor device.
3. The user must confirm their identity by completing the additional authentication on their second-factor device.

You can learn more about 2FA and how it works from our blog post: Two-Factor Authentication: What It Is & How It Works.

What Is An Authenticator App?

First, we need to explain what an authenticator app is since you’ll need one to enable 2FA on your accounts. Authenticator apps allow you to provide additional verification from your phone. You usually have to scan a QR code linked to your account. Then, when you log in to your account, it prompts you to verify by either retrieving a numerical code or approving your sign-in request from the app. Popular authenticator apps include Authy, Google Authenticator, and Microsoft Authenticator.

How To Enable 2FA On Online Accounts

Each app or service may have a different way of enabling 2FA, but most follow the same formula. To enable 2FA on your accounts:

• Find the Settings or Account Security tab and click on it. Generally, you can find 2FA settings in some sort of Security tab.
• Next, locate Two-Factor Verification and click on it. The app may instead call it Two-Step Verification or Multi-Factor Authentication.
• You may be given different verification methods, such as text-based verification or the use of the authenticator app. We advise that you use your authenticator app for 2FA whenever possible, as it is more secure than text-based verification.
• Follow the prompts given and enable 2FA on your account.
• Repeat for all your online accounts.

What If I Don’t See A 2FA Option?

If you don’t see an option for 2FA on your account, check the 2FA Directory. It lists all major websites and whether or not they support 2FA. If your app or service does not support 2FA, you have the option to message the company on Twitter, Facebook, or email and request that they add two-factor authentication.

Improve Your Online Account Security

While an essential layer of security for your online accounts, two-factor authentication is not the only protective measure you should take. Use 2FA in conjunction with strong, unique passwords and other security measures to keep your online accounts safe. For help securing your business against cybercriminals, data loss, and costly downtime, contact us today.